The Attorney General of the Republic, Tarek William Saab, made a call on U.S. Judge Alvin Hellerstein to respect the international rule of law. The requirement comes given the lack of jurisdiction to prosecute President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, following their abduction in a military operation carried by the U.S.
During the notification ceremony for the new National Assembly board of directors, Saab emphasized the need to recognize the incompetence of the U.S. court. He stressed that it has no jurisdiction to prosecute the head of state of a sovereign nation like Venezuela.
The Attorney General emphasized that President Maduro is protected by diplomatic immunity under the international law. He described his abduction and forced transfer as a crime of great severity, classified as international kidnapping and illegitimate deprivation of liberty.
Saab legally substantiated his position by recalling that President Maduro was re-elected on July 28, 2024, and sworn in on January 10, 2025. This status grants him absolute immunity during his 2025-2031 presidential term, in accordance with the norms of international law.
On behalf of the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Citizen Power branch of government, the Attorney General reiterated the demand for the immediate and unconditional release of the President and the First Lady. He also urged international organizations to act in accordance with international law to guarantee their protection.