María Lourdes Afiuni, a Venezuelan judge who spent nearly ten years imprisoned under the regime of former President Hugo Chávez, has been granted full freedom following the closure of her case by the judicial system. Afiuni’s family expressed their satisfaction with this decision, which they claim ends a process that should never have existed.
In a statement released on social media platform X, Afiuni’s brother, Nelson Afiuni, and her lawyer, Thelma Fernández, highlighted that this outcome marks the conclusion of a long and painful chapter characterized by severe violations of human rights and due process.
Background of the Case
Afiuni was arrested in December 2009 shortly after she ordered the release on bail of banker Eligio Cedeño. At the time, Chávez publicly demanded that Afiuni be sentenced to 30 years in prison for her decision, leading to her being labeled as «Chávez’s personal prisoner.» She remained in jail until she was placed under house arrest and later granted conditional release in June 2013.
However, in March 2019, Afiuni was sentenced to an additional five years in prison for «spiritual corruption,» a charge she denounced as fabricated. Her family stated that Afiuni’s ordeal extended beyond personal suffering and became a symbol of the declining judicial independence in Venezuela.
Health Concerns and Advocacy for Release
On August 6, just a day before the announcement of her full freedom, Nelson Afiuni called for her complete release due to her deteriorating health. Reports indicated that she was hospitalized after experiencing dizziness, vomiting, and hypertension. Medical evaluations revealed three tumor-like lesions that required immediate medical attention to prevent irreversible health consequences.
Despite the closure of her case, Afiuni’s family emphasized that this resolution does not erase the suffering endured nor does it repair the harm caused. They expressed gratitude to individuals and institutions that supported their efforts for her release.
A Warning for Judicial Independence in the Region
The family remarked that Afiuni’s case serves as a cautionary tale for the region about the repercussions of using the judicial system as a tool for retaliation against those who perform their duties with independence and impartiality.
Chávez’s Aggressive Stance
Chávez publicly condemned Afiuni the day after Cedeño’s release, demanding harsh penalties for the judge. He referred to her as a «bandit» and criticized her for releasing someone he deemed a criminal. Afiuni, however, defended her actions, stating that she was adhering to Venezuelan law, which prohibited detaining individuals for more than two years without a sentence.
Inhumane Conditions and Health Deterioration
Afiuni spent over a year in the National Institute of Female Orientation, where her legal team reported attempts on her life and sexual assaults. During her imprisonment, her health significantly declined, culminating in a hysterectomy prior to her house arrest. She later reported experiencing torture and violations, exacerbating her medical issues.
International Impact and Advocacy
Over the years, Afiuni’s situation garnered international attention, with notable figures, including linguist Noam Chomsky, advocating for her release. In December 2017, Afiuni pointed out that the time she spent under restrictive measures exceeded the maximum penalty for the charges against her.
As her brother noted, Afiuni’s story is not only about the injustice she faced but also a reminder of the critical importance of judicial independence for the freedom and rights of all Venezuelans.
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