Amnesty International believes that the arrest of Judge María Lourdes Afiuni Mora on 10 December 2009 is a case of undue political interference on the part of the executive. Amnesty International is extremely concerned about the consequences this case may have on the willingness of Venezuelan judges to extend to all categories of defendants the benefits and safeguards laid down in the Constitution and laws of Venezuela. The organization is also concerned about health problems suffered by Judge Alfiuni and the facility in which she is being held in custody.
