Caracas, Venezuela — Acting President Delcy Rodríguez’s government continues to make significant shake-ups within Venezuela’s institutions. Late last week, her administration announced the appointment of Larry Devoe as attorney general and Eglée González Lobato as the new ombudsman.
Various NGOs have questioned the appointments on whether or not they show a willingness towards true political transition in the country following the United States’ capture of Nicolás Maduro on January 3.
The organization Transparencia Venezuela (Transparency Venezuela), dedicated to promoting transparency within public administration and exposing cases of corruption, noted on X that Devoe does not meet the necessary requirements for this position.
“His professional background does not include experience as a judge nor prosecutor. His career has unfolded primarily at the Ombudsman’s Office and the National Human Rights Council, in addition to his role as the state’s representative before international bodies,” the NGO wrote.
Devoe has held various positions within the Chavista government. One of the most significant was as head of Venezuela’s National Human Rights Council, which supports “compliance with the instructions of the President of the Republic regarding national public policies on human rights.”
He also served as the State’s representative to the Inter-American Human Rights System, representing the government before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), and defending Venezuela against its many human rights abuse allegations.
Devoe replaced outgoing Attorney General Tarek William Saab, who had served in that role for around eight years.
The organization also pointed out what they say is another key problem: “He does not hold a doctoral degree in criminal law, but rather a Master’s degree in Constitutional Law from the University of Valencia, Spain.”
In the case of González Lobato, the NGO argues she also does not meet the requirements of Article 280 of the Constitution for the position of Ombudsman: an official who “demonstrates proven competence in human rights matters.”
Before entering politics, González Lobato served as legal counsel for the National Electoral Council (CNE). She is a sought-after voice for her expertise on electoral matters and has delivered critical statements against the opposition, which she has labeled “traitors.”
Ahead of disputed elections in 2024, she often went on television to argue that Maduro could win elections in the country without electoral fraud. The CNE would later certify elections in favor of Maduro, despite Venezuela’s opposition and international observers presenting evidence to the contrary.
González Lobato replaces Alfredo Ruiz, who had held the position since 2017.
Transparencia Venezuela believes that neither of these appointments represents a change for these institutions, which are central to how the country functions.
“Without guarantees or fundamental reforms, reinstitutionalization is not possible,” they explained.
In a document signed by 60 NGOs, they denounced the selection process for lacking transparency, citizen participation, and independence, violating constitutional principles.
Furthermore, they criticize Devoe’s track record due to his prior ties to bodies involved in political persecution, and point out González Lobato’s lack of experience in human rights.
Despite the objections, the NGOs urged new officials of their ethical and legal obligation to act independently of political power and to guarantee human rights without discrimination.
Specific demands also include the immediate cessation of political persecution, the release of arbitrarily detained prisoners, and the effective investigation of crimes against humanity identified by international organizations.
Likewise, the NGOs urged both government institutions to cooperate fully with the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the United Nations (UN), conduct transparent visits to detention centers, and promote Venezuela’s re-entry into the Inter-American Human Rights System, in order to reverse the pattern of criminalizing dissent and restore public trust.
The political appointments come at a time when the government is seeking to project an image of “reinstitutionalization” and modernization to the international community.
However, critics believe that they do not truly represent a sign of change in Venezuela, given that those appointed are still very much linked to the government of Delcy Rodríguez.
Featured image: Larry Devoe and Eglée González Lobato.
Image credit: Transparencia Venezuela via X.
