Venezuela’s Attorney General Tarek William Saab and Ombudsman Alfredo Ruiz tendered their resignations to the National Assembly on Wednesday. Neither official has publicly provided reasons for stepping down.
The resignations were formalised in letters addressed to Jorge Rodríguez Gómez, president of the legislature. Both officials had been ratified for seven-year terms in October 2024, set to run until 2031. Their departures come amid ongoing domestic and international scrutiny of the government’s handling of political dissent and justice.
Saab, 63, has served as Venezuela’s chief prosecutor since 2017, presiding over high-profile corruption cases and the arrests of opposition figures and protesters.
A lawyer known for portraying himself as a defender of human rights, he previously served as a deputy to the 1999 National Constituent Assembly, governor of Anzoátegui state, and Ombudsman.
Throughout his tenure, Saab faced heavy international criticism. He has been under United States sanctions since 2017 over alleged human rights violations, with opposition leaders frequently accusing him of ignoring abuses by law enforcement. Saab has consistently defended the government’s detentions, stating that those held were “detainees for actions that at the time were documented,” and denying the existence of political prisoners.
In one of his final official acts, Saab endorsed the recently passed Amnesty Law, describing it as the closure of an “important historical cycle” and a means to help “heal wounds” left by years of internal conflict and political disputes. He was also a vocal supporter of President Nicolás Maduro, who was captured in a U.S. military operation on 3 January, which Saab characterised as a “criminal incursion” and a violation of international law.
The National Assembly currently has no deputy prosecutor to fill Saab’s role. Temporary managers will be appointed for both the Prosecutor’s Office and the Ombudsman’s Office while a formal Nominations Committee begins the process of selecting permanent replacements. Saab is expected to serve as acting ombudsman following the resignation of that official, while Larry Devoe, head of the National Council of Human Rights, will serve as acting attorney general until permanent replacements are confirmed by the legislative committees.
The resignations mark a significant moment in Venezuela’s legal and political landscape, as the government navigates pressures both from within the country and abroad.
China’s carbon emissions grew far less than previously thought over the past five years, according to a new analysis that is drawing close attention...
The United States launched fresh strikes on Iranian drone targets near Bandar Abbas after intercepting attack drones over the Strait of Hormuz, raisin...
Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz has taken steps towards potentially declaring a state of emergency as anti-government protests intensify in the earl...
Dozens of people were killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon on Tuesday, Lebanese officials said, straining a fragile ceasefire agreed between the cou...
Norway is set to come under France’s nuclear umbrella, marking a significant shift in European security arrangements as concerns grow over the Unite...
The United States launched fresh strikes on Iranian drone targets near Bandar Abbas after intercepting attack drones over the Strait of Hormuz, raising tensions despite an existing ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.
Dozens of people were killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon on Tuesday, Lebanese officials said, straining a fragile ceasefire agreed between the countries in April. The attacks came as Iran accused the U.S. of violating a separate ceasefire with strikes near the Strait of Hormuz.
Norway is set to come under France’s nuclear umbrella, marking a significant shift in European security arrangements as concerns grow over the United States’ long-term commitment to the region.
Britain has announced fresh sanctions targeting cryptocurrency exchanges, financial networks and banks accused of helping Russia evade Western restrictions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 26 May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Dozens of people were killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon on Tuesday, Lebanese officials said, straining a fragile ceasefire agreed between the countries in April. The attacks came as Iran accused the U.S. of violating a separate ceasefire with strikes near the Strait of Hormuz.
Chinese investigators have uncovered hidden tunnels, missing worker trackers and fake underground walls during an initial investigation into the country’s deadliest mining disaster in more than 15 years.
The new AnewZ documentary, TARGET: Yerevan, builds its explosive case on exclusive, secret recordings originally published by Minval Politika.
The visit by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Armenia marks one of the clearest signs yet of Washington’s growing interest in the South Caucasus.
China’s carbon emissions grew far less than previously thought over the past five years, according to a new analysis that is drawing close attention from climate researchers worldwide.
Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz has taken steps towards potentially declaring a state of emergency as anti-government protests intensify in the early months of his administration.
Norway is set to come under France’s nuclear umbrella, marking a significant shift in European security arrangements as concerns grow over the United States’ long-term commitment to the region.
Britain has announced fresh sanctions targeting cryptocurrency exchanges, financial networks and banks accused of helping Russia evade Western restrictions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine.
Muslims around the world have marked Eid al-Adha with prayers, celebrations and acts of charity, though for many Palestinians the holiday unfolded amid conflict, restrictions and loss.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment