On Wednesday, the Venezuelan National Assembly officially designated Tarek William Saab as the interim Ombudsman, following his resignation from the position of Attorney General. This change was necessitated by the resignation of Alfredo Ruiz Angulo, who stepped down due to personal, family, and health reasons, as outlined in his correspondence to the Legislative body. Saab's new role signals a continuation of his influence within the Venezuelan government amidst ongoing political turbulence.

Tarek William Saab has been a significant figure in the chavista regime since its inception, having been a member of the Movimiento V República that propelled Hugo Chávez to power in 1999. His tenure as Attorney General was marked by controversial actions, including the arrest and prosecution of opposition protesters following the 2024 Presidential Elections. These events have raised concerns regarding the state of democracy and human rights in Venezuela, where Saab's role has often been criticized by international observers.

The appointment of Saab as Ombudsman is particularly noteworthy given the increasing scrutiny of Venezuelan institutions and the governance strategies employed by the current regime. As he steps into this new role, Saab's performance will likely be closely monitored both domestically and internationally, especially with respect to his commitment to human rights and the defense of citizens' liberties in a country facing significant political and social challenges.