Venezuela Talks Yield Judicial Reforms

The fact sheet notes two rounds of talks in August and September produced a wholesale reform and reconstruction of an independent supreme court.

Following the talks, the 2026 National Assembly published a law reforming the supreme court selection process, with 32 new judges to be selected by December.

The talks created a seven‑member Credentials Council, an all‑judge body that will screen candidates before the Judicial Nominations Committee, composed of 11 National Assembly members and 12 civil‑society members, chooses the nominees.

The interim government has restored or partially restored access to more than 70 previously blocked internet domains, including El Tiempo, EFE, Revista Semana, El Pitazo and Efecto Cucuyo.

The National Assembly established a commission to reform and decriminalize penalties contained in the repressive 2017 Law Against Hatred, which previously imposed up to 20‑year sentences.

The interim government has released more than 1,000 political prisoners since Operation Absolute Resolve and announced the release of an additional 177 political prisoners since the talks began.

A third round of reconciliation talks is scheduled to begin on October 14, focusing on finalizing the supreme court selection process and guaranteeing participation for credible elections.