This Wednesday, Cuba's Council of State made official a slew of changes within the Supreme People's Court (TSP), including the replacement of a vice president, adjustments in the Commercial Chamber, three retirements, and the appointment of three new judges.
The decisions are detailed in seven separate agreements, numbered 631-X through 637-X, which were published in the Extraordinary Gazette No. 87 of 2026. Although these measures were decided on August 19, they were only officially released this Wednesday.
Among the most significant changes is the removal of Farah Maritza Saucedo Pérez, who was "renewed" out of her roles as vice president of the Supreme Court and president of the Constitutional Rights Amparo Chamber. This change was made according to Agreement 631-X, proposed by the head of the TSP.
In another notable shift, Yomays Olivarez Gainza has been promoted and selected as the new vice president of the Supreme People's Court.
Attention also turned to the Commercial Chamber. Agreement 633-X accepted the resignation of Liliana Hernández Díaz from her position as president of the chamber, ending her judicial duties. Mirelys Reyes Vega was then promoted and chosen to lead the Commercial Chamber, as outlined in Agreement 634-X.
Raiza López Varona’s resignation from the Court System was also accepted, following a proposal from the TSP president, as recorded in Agreement 635-X.
The reorganization further entails the retirement of three judges from the Supreme People's Court: Odalys Quintero Silverio, Isabel Inés Arredondo Suárez, and Alina Bielsa Palomo. Concurrently, the Council of State appointed Fernando Vázquez Franco, Liliam Pérez Castillo, and Lesly Vidal Álvarez as the newest judges of the highest court.
All seven agreements bear the signature of Juan Esteban Lazo Hernández, who serves as the president of the National Assembly of People's Power and the Council of State. These decisions are anchored in the Constitution, Law 131 "On the Organization and Functioning of the National Assembly of People's Power and the Council of State," and Law 140 "On the Courts of Justice."
These maneuvers follow a previous leadership change within the TSP itself. In December 2025, Rubén Remigio Ferro was succeeded by Óscar Silvera Martínez, who assumed office in February 2026. This judicial leadership overhaul marked the beginning of a series of changes that continue with these latest replacements, resignations, retirements, and appointments in Cuba's highest court.
Key Changes in Cuba's Supreme Court Explained
What prompted the recent changes in the Supreme People's Court of Cuba?
The changes are part of an ongoing reorganization in Cuba's judicial leadership, following a previous overhaul that started with a new head of the TSP in early 2026.
Who are the new appointees to the Supreme People's Court?
The newly appointed judges are Fernando Vázquez Franco, Liliam Pérez Castillo, and Lesly Vidal Álvarez.
Why was Farah Maritza Saucedo Pérez removed from her position?
Farah Maritza Saucedo Pérez was replaced as part of a "renewal" process within the court's leadership, according to Agreement 631-X.