The United States government has imposed sanctions on 21 senior Venezuelan officials for suppressing protests following the disputed July presidential election, marking an escalation in pressure against President Nicolás Maduro’s administration. The sanctions target high-ranking security and cabinet members, including the corrections agency head, intelligence service director, and minister from Maduro’s Office of the President.
Planning Minister Ricardo Jose Menendez and Communications Minister Freddy Alfred Nazaret are among those sanctioned, alongside intelligence officials Alexis Jose Rodriguez and Javier Jose Marcano. The list also includes Daniella Cabello, daughter of Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, who manages an economic promotion initiative.
“Officials who are acting unlawfully to uphold his regime based on repressive tactics will find themselves in the crosshairs of these sanctions,” a Biden administration official stated. The US Treasury Department’s action arrives as Washington recognizes opposition candidate Edmundo González as Venezuela’s president-elect, rejecting Maduro’s claim of victory.
The Venezuelan government immediately dismissed the sanctions as “illegitimate measures.” This response comes amid concerns over election transparency, with several countries and international organizations calling for the full publication of ballots.
The US State Department has implemented visa restrictions on additional individuals accused of post-election repression. These restrictions add to the existing measures against Venezuelan officials.
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González left Venezuela in September for exile in Spain after a warrant was issued for his arrest in connection with an investigation into the publishing of vote tallies. He has announced plans to return to Venezuela in January for a presidential swearing-in ceremony. US officials clarified they “have not received a request for assistance in González’s transportation” and “did not participate in his departure from Venezuela,” though they would consider any future requests for help.
The opposition has published what it claims are ballot box tallies on a public website, indicating González won the contest decisively. However, Maduro’s government has refused to release official vote counts supporting their victory declaration.
Venezuelan lawmakers are currently debating legislation that would classify economic sanctions as crimes against humanity, potentially allowing prosecution of individuals who support such measures. This legislative move demonstrates the growing tension between US pressure tactics and Venezuelan domestic policy.
The United Nations has issued a human rights report criticizing the repression of political opponents and children following the elections, which Venezuela’s government has rejected. Leaders from Brazil and Colombia have expressed doubts about the legitimacy of Maduro’s victory and called for the release of voting tallies.These sanctions follow a September action where the US imposed restrictions on 16 additional Maduro allies for election interference and human rights violations. The cumulative impact of these measures on Venezuela’s political landscape remains to be seen, as previously sanctioned officials continue to maintain powerful positions within the government.
