Caracas, Nov 13 (EFE).- Venezuelan lawyer María Alejandra Díaz, whom the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) sanctioned with a prohibition to practice his professionsaid this Wednesday that the measure is a “punishment” for having attended an appeal in which several political organizations requested evidence of the controversial re-election of Nicolás Maduro in the presidential elections on July 28.
«They punish us by eliminating our right to work, but, also, without due process. “It is our way of life, we have no other income other than professional practice.”said the jurist in an act of redress in her favor, organized by dissident movements of the ruling Chavismo, among them the Communist Party of Venezuela (PCV).
He stressed that This sanction is something “unprecedented”which falls on her after 35 years of practicing law and after two years in which she had a more critical role against the Maduro Government, which she defended until the last five years.
«We believe that “It is a bill for our political positions.”insisted Díaz, who says he feels in a “legal limbo”, because – he explains – the suspension has an “indefinite” duration, at least until the TSJ clarifies its decision to know if he should appeal to the court or go to the Bar Association.
In this sense, he said that he also asked the court for explanations about the way in which he must pay the imposed fine of 100 euros ($105.64).
Díaz asked the lawyers’ union to rule on this caseBecause – he warns – all jurists who demand “the fulfillment of a constitutional right” are being put at risk if “the Government feels that they are getting in the way.”
«The one that is threatened is the lawyers’ union. “That is the most serious thing about this entire sentence and that is why we believe that we must act,” he said.
Last week, the TSJ rejected the appeal assisted by Díaz and fined and sanctioned her, “given the serious allegations” in the constitutional protection introduced, which question and disrespect the power held by the Supreme Court and which, in addition, “intend generate anxiety and shock in the population.
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What are the implications of the Venezuelan Supreme Court’s sanction against lawyer María Alejandra Díaz for the rule of law in Venezuela?
**Interview with Venezuelan Lawyer María Alejandra Díaz**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, María Alejandra. You were recently sanctioned by the Venezuelan Supreme Court of Justice, which has prohibited you from practicing law. Can you tell us about the circumstances that led to this sanction?
**María Alejandra Díaz:** Thank you for having me. The sanction is, in my view, a direct punishment for my involvement in an appeal filed by various political organizations. We were challenging the validity of Nicolás Maduro’s controversial re-election on July 28. By attending that appeal, I believe the government saw me as a threat.
**Interviewer:** It’s troubling to hear that your right to work has been compromised. You mentioned that this decision was made without due process. Can you elaborate on that?
**María Alejandra Díaz:** Absolutely. The lack of due process is a critical issue here. I was not given an opportunity to defend myself adequately before this drastic measure was implemented. This prohibition not only affects my right to work but also impacts my ability to provide for my family. For many of us in the legal profession in Venezuela, our work is our sole source of income.
**Interviewer:** The implications of such sanctions extend beyond individuals, affecting the larger legal and political environment. How do you see this decision impacting others in your profession?
**María Alejandra Díaz:** It sends a chilling message to legal professionals and activists alike. There is a growing fear among lawyers and judges that engaging in actions deemed oppositional by the government could lead to similar reprisals. This could discourage professionals from standing up for justice and representing clients who challenge the government, ultimately undermining the rule of law in Venezuela.
**Interviewer:** Moving forward, what steps do you intend to take in response to this sanction?
**María Alejandra Díaz:** I am committed to appealing this decision and seeking support from human rights organizations. We need to bring attention to these unjust practices and advocate for the rights of all professionals who are facing similar threats. It’s essential that we continue to fight for due process and the right to practice law without fear of retaliation.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, María Alejandra, for sharing your insights and experiences. It’s important that we continue to shed light on these issues as they evolve in Venezuela.
**María Alejandra Díaz:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we keep these discussions alive and push for change.