Judicial authorities implement new restrictions and disciplinary actions in Venezuela and Ecuador

In Venezuela, the Supreme Tribunal of Justice (TSJ) has reaffirmed a strict prohibition against lawyers using cameras, voice recorders, or audiovisual recording devices within the Palacio de Justicia. Formalized through circular 004-2026, the measure aims to protect the legal confidentiality of investigations, ensure the privacy of those involved, and safeguard the identity of victims and minors. The regulation is based on the Venezuelan Code of Professional Ethics for Lawyers and the Organic Code of Criminal Procedure.

In Ecuador, the Disciplinary Control Directorate has recommended the dismissal of three judges—Byron Uzcátegui, Silvana Velasco, and Wiler Choez—following their decision to revoke the preventive detention of Aquiles Álvarez and his brothers in the ‘Goleada’ case. The judges have been suspended since July, and the Council of the Judiciary must now decide whether to finalize their removal. The recommendation follows a determination by the National Court of Justice that the judges' actions constituted an inexcusable error.