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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How does María Alejandra Díaz view the impact of her sanctions on the legal profession in Venezuela?
**Interview with María Alejandra Díaz, Venezuelan Lawyer**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, María Alejandra. You recently faced serious sanctions from the Supreme Court of Justice in Venezuela. Can you explain what led to this prohibition from practicing law?
**María Alejandra Díaz:** Thank you for having me. The Supreme Court imposed this prohibition as a direct consequence of my involvement in an appeal where several political organizations demanded evidence regarding the legitimacy of Nicolás Maduro’s re-election in the presidential elections held on July 28. This ruling is not just a legal issue; it is a blatant punishment for those of us who dare to question and seek accountability in our political system.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that this measure feels like a punishment. How do you believe this affects your right to work and the legal profession in Venezuela more broadly?
**María Alejandra Díaz:** Absolutely, it is a punishment. They are effectively stripping us of our right to work, which is our only means of income. Taking away my ability to practice law undermines not only my career but also the integrity of the legal profession in Venezuela. This kind of repression sends a chilling message to other lawyers and activists, discouraging them from standing up and seeking justice without fear of repercussions.
**Interviewer:** In your statement, you highlighted the lack of due process in this action. Can you elaborate on that?
**María Alejandra Díaz:** Yes, the process that led to this sanction was neither transparent nor fair. We were not given a proper opportunity to defend ourselves or present our case. This absence of due process illustrates a broader trend in Venezuela, where judicial actions are often politically motivated rather than grounded in the rule of law. It’s a systemic issue that undermines the very foundations of justice.
**Interviewer:** What support have you received from the legal community and dissident movements since this sanction was imposed?
**María Alejandra Díaz:** I have received an outpouring of support from my colleagues and various dissident movements. They organized an act of redress in my favor, which is a testament to the solidarity among those who stand for justice. It’s crucial for us to support each other in these trying times, and I am grateful for the collective effort to resist this kind of authoritarianism.
**Interviewer:** what message would you like to share with others who may be facing similar challenges in Venezuela?
**María Alejandra Díaz:** I want to remind everyone that we must continue to fight for our rights, even in the face of oppression. Our voices matter, and together, we can resist this wave of injustice. Let us not lose hope or become complacent; change is possible if we persist. It is our responsibility to uphold the law and advocate for a society where justice prevails.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, María Alejandra, for sharing your insights and experiences. We wish you the best in your fight for justice.
**María Alejandra Díaz:** Thank you for the platform to speak about these important issues.