Venezuela's attorney general, Tarek William Saab, resigned on Wednesday amid growing pressure for judicial reform, only to be immediately appointed as acting ombudsman by the ruling party-controlled National Assembly. Saab, a close ally of former President Nicolás Maduro, had served as chief prosecutor since 2017 despite repeated accusations of human rights violations.
His resignation follows the capture of Maduro by U.S. forces on January 3 and comes after acting President Delcy Rodríguez ordered the release of political prisoners and signed an amnesty bill. These moves have sparked debates about abuses in the justice system, including trumped-up charges and prosecutorial delays against government opponents.
Saab will serve as acting ombudsman until a permanent replacement is appointed for Alfredo Ruiz, who resigned citing personal reasons. The ombudsman's role includes promoting and monitoring human rights. Human Rights Watch criticized Saab's appointment, calling it "a slap in the face of victims" and urging independent reform.
Saab has denied wrongdoing, stating he fulfilled his role with integrity. However, a UN-backed panel documented his role in human rights abuses after the 2024 election, including mass arrests under the guise of fighting a coup.
