Political Shifts in Venezuela: Larry Devoe Appointed as New Attorney General

The political landscape in Venezuela is experiencing notable changes, highlighted by the recent appointment of Larry Devoe as the new Attorney General. Following a vote by the National Assembly, which is dominated by ruling party members, Devoe’s appointment was confirmed this Thursday. He had been serving in an interim capacity since February, following the resignation of Tarek William Saab, who held the position since 2017. This change coincides with other recent appointments within the interim presidency of Delcy Rodríguez, occurring more than three months after the U.S. attack on Venezuela and the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

The backdrop of these transitions includes the recently enacted Amnesty Law aimed at healing past wounds and rectifying judicial errors during what Rodríguez describes as a “new political moment.” Amidst calls from human rights advocates and academics for an independent Attorney General and Public Defender, opposition legislator Henrique Capriles emphasized the importance of selecting a candidate free from political affiliations, someone dedicated to upholding the Constitution and the laws of the nation before the voting took place.

The Transition of Power

Alongside Saab’s resignation, Alfredo Ruiz also stepped down as the Public Defender. During this interim period, Saab temporarily transitioned from the Attorney General’s office to the defender’s role, which he previously held from 2014 to 2017. Effective this Thursday, Egleé González Lobato, a former legal consultant for the National Electoral Council, takes over as the new Public Defender.

Devoe’s Political Background

Devoe is not a stranger to the ruling party, having occupied various legal and diplomatic positions within the Venezuelan government. His visibility has increased in recent months, not only due to his provisional role but also as a member of the newly established Program for Democratic Coexistence and Peace. Launched by Delcy Rodríguez on January 23, this initiative aims to bolster national stability, social harmony, and political dialogue, incorporating a diverse array of political, economic, and academic figures from across the country. This platform played a role in the Amnesty Law proposed and approved by Parliament on February 19.

Additionally, Devoe is part of the recently formed High-Level Commission focused on the release of President Maduro and Cilia Flores, created just days after the U.S. attack on Venezuelan soil and the subsequent capture of the former president and his spouse.

Educational Credentials

When Jorge Rodríguez announced Devoe’s appointment in February, he highlighted his extensive qualifications: a graduate of Universidad Católica Andrés Bello, with a master’s degree in constitutional law from the University of Valencia, Spain; another master’s in Democracy, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law from Universidad de Alcalá de Henares, also in Spain; plus specializations in penal and criminological sciences alongside two diplomas in human rights studies. Notably, Devoe has led the executive secretariat of Venezuela’s National Human Rights Council since 2014, having previously held positions within the Public Defender’s office and the National Telecommunications Commission (Conatel).

He was part of the official delegation in the Barbados negotiations between the Venezuelan opposition and Maduro’s government, which resulted in political guarantees for the upcoming presidential elections in 2024. However, the opposition claimed these were violated following the disqualification of María Corina Machado and the persecution of her campaign aides. He also represented Venezuela at the International Court of Justice regarding territorial disputes with Guyana over the Esequibo region until Maduro ordered the withdrawal from this mission.

International Role and Controversies

On the international stage, Devoe has served as counsel and alternate agent for Venezuela at the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. He was involved in the country’s 2016 participation in the Universal Periodic Review by the U.N. Human Rights Council, which assesses human rights commitments. He has vehemently opposed the entry of human rights investigators from the Inter-American Commission, asserting that “Venezuela has sufficiently demonstrated that no crimes against humanity have been committed within its borders.” He further argued that the International Criminal Court (ICC) lacks jurisdiction regarding Venezuela.

In 2018, the ICC opened a formal investigation into alleged crimes against humanity purportedly committed since 2017, coinciding with Maduro’s first presidential term and the systematic repression of anti-government protests. Devoe contends that the country’s justice system has investigated all alleged human rights violations, a statement met with skepticism by various human rights organizations. The Justice and Peace Center (Cepaz) argues that the national system fails to conduct credible investigations and does not hold perpetrators accountable.

Recent Events and Voting Outcomes

During the recent vote to confirm Devoe, Jorge Rodríguez, using an ironic tone, counted the votes: ten in favor of Dr. Magaly Vásquez, proposed by Capriles, versus 275 for Devoe, who is criticized by human rights advocates for denying occurrences of crimes against humanity in Venezuela while serving as an alternate representative of the Venezuelan state before international bodies.

Saab’s Troubling Legacy

Tarek William Saab, a long-time chavista, became a controversial figure following his appointment as Attorney General in 2017. Chosen by the completely chavista Constitutional Assembly, his tenure has been marked by claims that the Public Ministry has turned into a critical instrument for political persecution and arbitrary detentions. The ICC’s investigation into alleged crimes against humanity began shortly after Saab took office.

Despite claims of substantial case resolutions, Saab’s legacy remains tainted. Criticism includes his association with over 2,400 detentions occurring after the 2024 presidential elections, which the National Electoral Council proclaimed were won by Maduro without disclosing supporting documentation—a result contested as fraudulent by the opposition, who presented evidence showing Edmundo González Urrutia as the victor. Opponent Henrique Capriles condemned Saab’s temporary assignment as Public Defender, referring to it as a “mockery of the victims” and accusing him of responsibility for the country’s persecution and judicial harassment.

Conclusion

With these significant political adjustments—including Larry Devoe’s appointment as Attorney General and the shift in other key governmental roles—Venezuela is at a crucial juncture. As the nation navigates its complex political landscape, the implications of these changes and the ongoing calls for more independent governance remain vital topics of discussion.

• Larry Devoe has been appointed as the new Attorney General of Venezuela.
• His previous education includes multiple advanced degrees in law and human rights.
• The political landscape is shifting significantly following the recent resignation of Tarek William Saab.
• Calls for an independent justice system continue amid ongoing concerns regarding human rights violations.