Maria Corina warns of the danger of losing judicial independence

The opposition leader Venezuelan, Maria Corina Machadoissued a warning about the serious risk posed by compromising the independence of the judiciaryat a time when The debate on this topic shakes Mexico.

The Venezuelan leader stated this in an interview with TV Azteca.

Maria Corina said that it is “extremely dangerous (to undermine the autonomy of the judiciary), and I hope that The Venezuelan experience serve as a warning to other countries in the world, not just in Latin America.”

He also stressed that “maintaining the independence of the judiciary from the executive branch is essential for a democracy to remain alive, despite its weaknesses.”

The politician stressed that in Venezuela the manipulation of the judiciary It became a tool of the regime, with devastating consequences for democracy.

“In fact, a week ago here, several prosecutors were fired for refusing to issue unfounded accusations against innocent young people,” he assured.

Maria Corina warns of the danger of losing judicial independence

Recalling the first years of Hugo Chávez’s government, the platform says, the former deputy detailed in the interview with TV Azteca how the former president replaced the majority of the judges.

In early 1999, a constituent assembly convened by Chávez drafted a constitution that supposedly guaranteed the independence of the judiciary and the autonomy of the Supreme Court.

However, in May 2004, Chavez signed a law that allowed his ruling coalition to gain a majority on the country’s highest court.

This law facilitated the selection of 17 new judges and 32 substitutes by a simple majority of votes of the coalition, without revealing the names to the opposition until the time of the vote.

“That was one of the first steps Chavez took upon coming to power: Within a few years, more than 90% of the judges were replaced, “More than 95% of the current judges are not permanent, but temporary. They are made clear that any ruling contrary to the interests of the regime will result in their immediate dismissal,” said Maria Corina.

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