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 “compliance with 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 were the legal justifications provided by Venezuela’s Supreme Court for imposing sanctions on María Alejandra Díaz?
**Interview: María Alejandra Díaz, Venezuelan Lawyer Sanctioned by the Supreme Court**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, María Alejandra. To begin with, can you explain the circumstances surrounding the sanction imposed on you by Venezuela’s Supreme Court of Justice?
**María Alejandra Díaz:** Thank you for having me. The sanction is deeply concerning. It was imposed as a prohibition to practice my profession, which I believe is a direct punishment for my involvement in an appeal that questioned the legitimacy of Nicolás Maduro’s re-election on July 28. This action was initiated by several political organizations seeking evidence to support their claims of electoral fraud. My participation was purely legal in nature, aimed at ensuring accountability and transparency.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that this sanction eliminates your right to work. How does this affect you and those in similar situations?
**María Alejandra Díaz:** It severely impacts not just me but many legal professionals who stand against the government’s actions. For us, practicing law is not only our career but our way of life. With these sanctions, we lose our primary source of income. It feels like a systematic approach to silence dissent and eliminate any legal opposition to the regime. We have no other means to support ourselves, and without due process, it feels like an unjust punishment.
**Interviewer:** There’s a broader context of political repression in Venezuela. How do you perceive the international community’s response, particularly from the United States, regarding the current political situation?
**María Alejandra Díaz:** It’s heartening to see the international community, especially the United States, impose sanctions on Venezuelan officials who are complicit in this political repression. Just recently, there were sanctions against officials following the controversial presidential election. This shows solidarity with Venezuelans fighting for democracy and human rights. However, more pressure is needed for meaningful change and to protect individuals like myself who are targeted for standing up against the government.
**Interviewer:** What do you hope to achieve moving forward?
**María Alejandra Díaz:** I hope to continue advocating for justice and legal rights in Venezuela. I plan to appeal this sanction and gather support from both local and international organizations. My goal is not only to regain my right to practice but also to inspire others to speak out against such injustices. We must work towards restoring democracy and ensuring that the voices of the Venezuelan people are heard.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, María Alejandra. We wish you courage and strength in your fight for justice.
**María Alejandra Díaz:** Thank you. It’s crucial that we continue to raise awareness and remain resilient in our pursuit of a fair and democratic Venezuela.
