Venezuelan Lawyer Denounces Judicial Obstacles for Opposition Leaders

Lawyer Omar Mora Tosta has denounced what he describes as judicial impediments preventing opposition figures Dignora Hernández and Henry Alviarez from completing their mandatory periodic court appearances.

Mora Tosta stated that the leaders of Vente Venezuela, along with others, went to the Palace of Justice as they do each month to register their appearance. However, this time, judicial authorities allegedly refused to process their trámite. "We are currently observing behavior that exacerbates the systematic violation of these individuals' human rights, even within the court system," Tosta declared from outside the Palace of Justice.

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We are currently observing behavior that exacerbates the systematic violation of these individuals' human rights, even within the court system.

The lawyer further questioned the continued restriction of access to case files for those undergoing legal processes and the difficulties in appointing private defense attorneys. He argued that these actions undermine due process and the right to a defense. "This is absolutely intolerable because it violates due process and the right to defense. How can you exercise a defense when you don't have access to the procedural records and the person has no idea why they are being prosecuted?" Tosta asked.

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This is absolutely intolerable because it violates due process and the right to defense. How can you exercise a defense when you don't have access to the procedural records and the person has no idea why they are being prosecuted?

Mora Tosta recalled that the cases involving Hernández and Alviarez were transferred to courts in Barinas, but the files allegedly never arrived. These cases were reported as transferred from Caracas in May. Hernández and Alviarez were detained in March 2024 and later released under precautionary measures on February 8, 2026. Alviarez had previously reported that courts rejected his amnesty request.

This denunciation comes as Venezuela's judicial system processes a new phase of releases. The government announced alternative measures for 131 individuals, though Foro Penal has only confirmed 78 releases so far. Mora Tosta urged for the release of all political prisoners, asserting they have committed no crimes and that their health conditions have worsened due to "unjust captivity."

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All the releases that have occurred and those that should occur, we await them with anxiety because these individuals must return to their families; they have committed no crime.