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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In what ways has the sanction imposed on María Alejandra Díaz by the Supreme Court impacted the legal profession and political dissent in Venezuela?
**Interview with María Alejandra Díaz, Venezuelan Lawyer**
**Interviewer:** Good afternoon, María Alejandra. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent sanctions imposed on you by the Venezuelan Supreme Court of Justice.
**María Alejandra Díaz:** Thank you for having me. It’s important to bring attention to these issues.
**Interviewer:** You have publicly described the Supreme Court’s decision as a “punishment” related to your involvement in an appeal concerning Nicolás Maduro’s re-election. Can you elaborate on that?
**María Alejandra Díaz:** Absolutely. The court’s ruling against me, which prohibits me from practicing law, is directly linked to my professional duties. I participated in an appeal that was part of a collective effort by various political organizations seeking evidence regarding the legitimacy of Maduro’s government in the presidential elections held on July 28. This action has clearly been met with retaliation.
**Interviewer:** How has this sanction affected you personally and professionally?
**María Alejandra Díaz:** This measure has been devastating. Not only is it an attack on my professional rights, but it also threatens my livelihood. I rely solely on my work as a lawyer; without the ability to practice, I face significant economic hardship. Moreover, it undermines the principles of due process and justice that should be upheld in any legal system.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned a lack of due process. Can you explain what you mean by that?
**María Alejandra Díaz:** The process that led to my sanction was not transparent. I was not given a fair opportunity to defend myself or to challenge the decision adequately. This lack of basic legal safeguards is alarming and reflects a broader trend where dissent is systematically silenced in Venezuela.
**Interviewer:** There have been ongoing discussions about the legal and political landscape in Venezuela, especially concerning the Maduro administration. What do you think this means for the future of legal professionals and political dissenters in the country?
**María Alejandra Díaz:** The future looks grim if the current trajectory continues. Legal professionals and those who dare to speak out against the government are increasingly at risk. This kind of repression stifles not just dissent but the very fabric of democratic practice. However, I believe that the spirit of resistance among Venezuelans remains strong, and we will continue to fight for our rights and for justice.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, María Alejandra. It’s essential to highlight these issues as they unfold.
**María Alejandra Díaz:** Thank you for providing a platform to discuss them. It’s crucial that we keep the conversation going.