CARACAS, Aug 8, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - A Venezuelan journalists' union on Friday denounced restrictions imposed on the press during US-backed political transition talks launched this week.

Seven months after US forces abducted president Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela's interim government and parts of the opposition are engaging in talks that many hope will lead to elections.

Media workers held a protest one day after the launch of negotiations, denouncing the decision to only grant photographers access to the talks, as well as the lack of information provided.

Journalist Deisy Martinez said security forces confiscated her equipment and floated the idea of arresting her, ultimately letting her go after deleting photos she had taken.

The National Union of Press Workers (SNTP) lodged a complaint with the opposition delegation.

During a meeting, delegation members "stated that they reject what happened and express solidarity with the sector," the SNTP wrote on X.

"We insist on the need to ensure transparency and timely, free and non-discriminatory access for journalists and media to activities related to the dialogue process," the union said.

The Washington-backed talks are set to go on until August 12 and aim to find a "political, peaceful, democratic and constitutional solution" to Venezuela's political limbo, according to a joint statement.

Interim leader Delcy Rodriguez has been governing under intense US pressure since Maduro's ouster in January.