Court denies Judge Afiuni's right to vote

Ancillary speaker judge of the 17th Trial Court, María Eugenia Núñez, denied Judge María Lourdes Afiuni's right to vote.

The news was given by defense attorneys José Amalio Graterol and Thelma Fernández, after receiving the notice on Friday.

Fernández quoted the decision of the court as saying that "the CNE (National Electoral Council) is responsible for setting the guidelines to be followed for the transfer of prisoners." For its part, CNE legal counsel argued some days ago that "the hearing court should ensure Afiuni's right to vote."

The "health status" that hinders her transfer to the polling station was among the lines of arguments cited by the court.

"Consequently, the 17th Trial Court declares unfounded the request of defense attorneys to take the appropriate steps for María Lourdes Afiuni to exercise her right to vote and, therefore, denies her transfer to her polling station," the decision concluded.

Fernández promised to make an appeal both at the court and the CNE next Monday.