Venezuelan Judge Afiuni to Speak to Media After 16 Years of Restrictions

Judge María Lourdes Afiuni announced Sunday that she will speak to the media "at any moment" following the full restoration of her freedom. This comes after the judicial process that had kept her under restrictions for over 16 years was definitively closed on Friday.

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at any moment

Her brother, Nelson Afiuni, shared on social media that the judge was "much better" but still "a bit shaken." The family had previously issued a statement Friday calling the case's conclusion the end of a process that "never should have existed." They emphasized that closing the file does not erase the significant physical and emotional impact the situation had on Afiuni.

This development followed news of a deterioration in Afiuni's health. She was rushed to a medical center experiencing dizziness, vomiting, and hypertension, leading to the detection of three tumorous lesions. Oncology specialists requested further studies, and her family is seeking specialized attention and the possibility of her traveling to the United States, where her daughter resides.

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much better, although still a bit shaken

The family expressed gratitude to national and international human rights organizations, legal professionals, journalists, and citizens who supported Afiuni throughout her years of judicial restrictions. They particularly thanked those who defended judicial independence, the rule of law, and the protection of justice officials against political pressure. Afiuni was detained in December 2009 after then-President Hugo Chávez publicly criticized her decision to grant conditional release to businessman Eligio Cedeño. She faced criminal proceedings, a five-year prison sentence, and various restrictive measures for years. Her family hopes the closure of her case will serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving judicial independence.

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never should have existed