Venezuela: a key man of Maduro resigns as Attorney General and takes on a new position in the country
Venezuela's Attorney General Tarek William Saab has resigned after nearly a decade in office and will take on a new role as the Ombudsman.
Tarek William Saab, the Attorney General of Venezuela since 2017, officially resigned from his position this Wednesday. His tenure has been marked by significant criticism from opposition parties and international organizations, which have accused him of being complicit in the government's human rights abuses. Saab's departure also coincides with ongoing political instability in the country, exacerbated by recent events including the arrest of former President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces, which has led to a reorganization of the Venezuelan government under interim leadership.
The announcement of Saab's resignation was made by the President of the National Assembly, Jorge Rodríguez. This political shake-up follows the resignation of both Saab and the Ombudsman, Alfredo Ruiz. Amid this turbulent atmosphere, new appointments are being made as the interim government, led by Delcy Rodríguez, attempts to stabilize the country. The situation reflects a critical moment for the administration as it navigates internal dissent and external pressures while trying to maintain control amid a fragile institutional framework.
Saab's exit from the Attorney General's office is seen as a significant shift within the Venezuelan political landscape. Given his close ties to Maduro and his contentious role in enforcing government policies, there are questions about the implications for judicial independence and human rights enforcement in Venezuela. The new role as Ombudsman may provide Saab with an opportunity to reshape his legacy, but it also raises concerns about the continuation of the same political narratives that have characterized the Maduro administration's approach to governance and civil rights.