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María Lourdes Afiuni faces passport restrictions despite full freedom
Ex-judge María Lourdes Afiuni is reportedly facing administrative restrictions that prevent her from obtaining a passport, despite having been granted full freedom on August 7. Her brother, Nelson Afiuni, denounced the situation on social media, claiming that the Saime (Servicio Administrativo de Identificación, Migración y Extranjería) system shows a digital alert blocking her travel documents.
The restriction comes after a legal process lasting 16 to 17 years. The case began in December 2009, when Afiuni, then a judge in Caracas, ordered the release of banker Eligio Cedeño on bail. This decision led to her arrest and a long-standing legal battle that her family and legal representatives describe as a violation of judicial independence and human rights.
Nelson Afiuni characterized the current state of her freedom as a ‘farce’ due to these ongoing administrative hurdles. He has called for international attention to the matter, tagging U.S. officials and the U.S. Embassy in Caracas.
Entities
Eligio Cedeño · María Lourdes Afiuni · Nelson Afiuni · Saime · Venezuela
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The judicial process involving Afiuni has lasted approximately 16 to 17 years. talcualdigital.com · eltiempove.com · primicia.com.ve
- [DISPUTED] The Saime system is preventing María Lourdes Afiuni from processing her passport. talcualdigital.com · primicia.com.ve
- [DISPUTED] A digital alert in the Saime system blocks the request for travel documents. primicia.com.ve
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The case originated from Afiuni's 2009 decision to grant bail to banker Eligio Cedeño. eltiempove.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] María Lourdes Afiuni was granted full freedom and her judicial case was closed on August 7. talcualdigital.com · primicia.com.ve