Venezuela’s top prosecutor has stepped down from his position after nearly a decade of service, according to an announcement from the country’s National Assembly on Wednesday.
Attorney General Tarek Saab, 63, submitted his resignation letter along with the nation’s ombudsman, ending a tenure that began in 2017. During his time in office, Saab oversaw the government’s handling of significant corruption investigations and the detention of numerous opposition leaders and demonstrators, many of whom human rights organizations claim were wrongfully imprisoned.
The distinctive prosecutor, known for his extensive tattoos and background as a published poet, has consistently rejected claims that Venezuela detains political prisoners. In a recent interview with Reuters, Saab expressed optimism that a newly enacted amnesty law would create a “100% pacified” nation.
“I call them prisoners, I don’t give anything any additional label,” Saab stated to Reuters earlier this month. “They are detainees for actions that at the time were documented.”
These comments echoed previous statements Saab made in 2024, prior to mass arrests following protests surrounding a disputed presidential election that resulted in thousands of detentions.
Assembly secretary Maria Alejandra Hernandez formally announced the resignations during Wednesday’s session. “The National Assembly received communications addressed to lawmaker Jorge Rodriguez Gomez, president of this legislature, signed by: first, citizen Tarek William Saab, by which he submits his resignation from the post of Attorney General of the Republic; and second, citizen Alfredo Ruiz Angulo, by which he submits his resignation from the post of Ombudsman,” Hernandez stated.
Rodriguez, who is the brother of acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez, indicated that temporary officials will be appointed to fill both positions while permanent successors are selected. Saab did not respond to requests for comment regarding his departure.
