U.S. Sanctions Venezuelan Officials Over Disputed Election
Date
11/27/2024 3:19:39 PM
(MENAFN- The Rio Times) The United States has imposed sanctions on 21 Venezuelan officials, accusing them of supporting President Nicolás Maduro's efforts to challenge the results of a contested election.
Both the Venezuelan opposition and Washington claim Maduro lost the vote. The sanctions target current and former officials, including cabinet ministers and their families.
They also affect high-ranking members of the national guard and counterintelligence services. The U.S. Treasury Department announced these measures, stating that the individuals supported Maduro's suppression of civil society.
They also backed his attempts to fraudulently declare victory in the July 28 presidential election. Among those sanctioned are Freddy Nanez, the Minister of Communication, and William Castillo, the Vice Minister of Anti-Blockade Policies.
The list also includes Daniella Cabello, daughter of Justice Minister Diosdado Cabello. The U.S. State Department plans to impose additional visa restrictions on individuals accused of undermining democracy, corruption, or human rights violations in Venezuela.
This list now includes nearly 2,000 people. In a significant move, the United States recently began referring to opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia as Venezuela's president-elect.
Venezuela's Political Turmoil
González Urrutia fled to Spain in September following the disputed election. Maduro's current term ends on January 10. The incoming U.S. administration under President-elect Donald Trump will face decisions about how to approach the Venezuelan situation.
The July elections sparked widespread protests in Venezuela, resulting in over 2,400 detentions and 28 deaths. In early November, the government released 225 detainees, including minors, in what some viewed as a potential conciliatory gesture.
These sanctions follow earlier U.S. actions against Venezuelan officials. In September, the U.S. sanctioned 16 members of the Supreme Court, Electoral Council, and other entities for allegedly obstructing free and fair elections.
As the U.S. tightens its sanctions , the impact on Venezuela's political landscape and its citizens remains uncertain. The coming months will likely bring further developments in this complex geopolitical scenario.
MENAFN27112024007421016031ID1108933795
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.