Omar El Sayed - World Editor

Caracas, Venezuela – Venezuela’s Attorney General, Tarek William Saab, and the country’s Ombudsman, Alfredo Ruiz, both submitted their resignations to the National Assembly on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, according to announcements from the legislative body. The resignations come amidst a broader process of amnesty for political prisoners dating back to 1999, a move intended to address long-standing concerns about political detentions and human rights.

The announcements, confirmed by National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez, mark a significant shift in Venezuela’s political landscape. Ruiz cited personal and health reasons for his departure, while Saab offered no specific explanation for his resignation, simply expressing gratitude for the trust placed in him and acknowledging the work of his team, as reported by El Diario. The timing of these resignations coincides with ongoing efforts to address a legacy of political polarization and alleged abuses of power.

Following the resignations, the National Assembly swiftly appointed Larry Daniel Devoe as the interim Attorney General. Rodríguez stated that Devoe, a lawyer with a master’s degree in constitutional law and human rights, too serves as the secretary-general of the National Council of Human Rights, according to reporting from CNN Español. Saab himself was subsequently appointed as the interim Ombudsman, a move described by Rodríguez as recognizing Saab’s expertise in human rights.

Saab’s Tenure and U.S. Sanctions

Tarek William Saab was first appointed Attorney General in 2017 by the then-Constituent Assembly, replacing Luisa Ortega Díaz. He has been subject to U.S. Sanctions since that same year, due to allegations of human rights violations, as reported by El Tiempo. Critics have accused Saab of being a close collaborator of the “Bolivarian Revolution” and of using his position to target political opponents, journalists, and activists. During his tenure, investigations were opened against prominent opposition figures such as María Corina Machado and Edmundo González.

International organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have documented concerns during Saab’s leadership of the Public Ministry, including allegations of arbitrary detentions, torture, and the use of the penal system for repression. These organizations have reported at least 18 deaths in custody during his time in office.

Following a controversial incident in January involving the capture of Nicolás Maduro, Saab publicly called for the leader’s return and condemned the action as illegal and a violation of international law, according to El Nacional.

Transition and the Amnesty Law

The resignations and appointments occur within the context of a broader political transition in Venezuela, which has included the closure of the El Helicoide detention center, the implementation of an amnesty law, and the release of hundreds of political prisoners. The control of the Attorney General’s office under Saab had been a point of concern for human rights defenders and opposition leaders, who feared the continuation of repressive structures.

Interestingly, Saab had recently expressed support for the Amnesty Law, stating that it represented a “historic cycle” of healing and reconciliation, as reported by El Nacional. The law aims to address past political disputes and conflicts.

Next Steps and Ongoing Concerns

The National Assembly will now establish a selection committee to choose permanent replacements for both the Attorney General and the Ombudsman. The appointment of Larry Devoe as interim Attorney General raises questions about the future direction of the Public Ministry and its commitment to addressing past human rights concerns. The transition process will be closely watched by international observers and domestic stakeholders alike.

The situation remains fluid as Venezuela navigates this period of political change. The effectiveness of the amnesty law and the independence of the new leadership within the Attorney General’s office will be key factors in determining the long-term impact of these recent developments.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

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