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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How can international support aid Venezuelan legal advocates like María Alejandra Díaz in their fight for judicial independence and human rights?
**Interview with María Alejandra Díaz: A Voice of Defiance in Venezuela’s Legal Struggles**
*Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, María Alejandra. Can you begin by sharing your thoughts on the recent sanction imposed by the Supreme Court of Justice that prohibits you from practicing law?*
**María Alejandra Díaz:** Thank you for having me. This sanction is a direct attack on my professional rights and a broader tactic to silence dissent in Venezuela. It feels like a punishment for simply doing my job — attending an appeal that scrutinized Nicolás Maduro’s controversial re-election. We’re facing a regime that punishes those who seek transparency and accountability in our electoral processes.
*Interviewer: You mentioned that this sanction eliminates your right to work. Can you elaborate on how this impacts you and others in your profession?*
**María Alejandra Díaz:** Absolutely. For many of us in the legal field, our work is not just our profession; it’s our means of livelihood. The decision made by the TSJ not only strips away my ability to practice but also sends a chilling message to other lawyers. It fosters an atmosphere of fear where legal professionals might think twice before representing clients, particularly in politically charged cases. We rely solely on our legal practice for income, and now that avenue is blocked without due process.
*Interviewer: In light of these challenges, what are your thoughts on the overall situation in Venezuela regarding freedom of expression and legal rights?*
**María Alejandra Díaz:** The situation is dire. The government has shown a clear trend of cracking down on anyone who questions its authority, whether they are lawyers, journalists, or activists. The repression is escalating. Recently, there have been reports of increased threats against those who criticize the regime, and as a result, people live in constant fear. The events around my case are symptomatic of a larger narrative — one where dissent is not tolerated, and the consequences for speaking out can be severe.
*Interviewer: What do you believe needs to change in order to improve the judicial landscape in Venezuela?*
**María Alejandra Díaz:** There needs to be genuine reform, starting with the independence of the judiciary. The Supreme Court must operate free from political influence to restore confidence in our legal system. We also need international support to amplify our voices and hold the regime accountable. Ultimately, the Venezuelan people deserve a government that respects their rights and upholds the rule of law.
*Interviewer: Thank you, María Alejandra, for sharing your insights and experiences. Your courage in standing up for justice is truly commendable.*
**María Alejandra Díaz:** Thank you for shedding light on this critical issue. It is essential that we continue to advocate for justice and human rights, even in the face of adversity.
