Former Judge María Lourdes Afiuni Gains Full Freedom After Years of House Arrest

María Lourdes Afiuni, recognized as one of the first political prisoners under the Chavismo regime, has been granted full freedom after spending years under house arrest. Her family had requested the closure of the case due to her health condition, as she suffers from a serious illness.

Afiuni's case became a symbol of the deterioration of judicial independence in Venezuela, where she was tried for a nonexistent crime and suffered torture, violations, and was forced to abort, according to various media reports. Her release has been celebrated by activists and opposition members.