The United States sanctioned 21 allies of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro for their roles in the repression after the disputed July election. Officials include top security personnel. The U.S. has recognized opposition candidate Edmundo González as the legitimate president-elect. These sanctions extend previous measures against Maduro’s allies and highlight ongoing human rights issues in Venezuela.
On Wednesday, the United States imposed sanctions on 21 more allies of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, citing their involvement in the violent repression following the disputed presidential election held in July. These sanctions, enacted by the Department of the Treasury, target high-ranking officials within Maduro’s administration, including the head of the corrections agency and the director of an intelligence service. This action is part of ongoing U.S. efforts to hold accountable those responsible for human rights violations in Venezuela.
The imposition of these sanctions comes amid rising tensions in Venezuela following the controversial election results declared by President Maduro. While Maduro proclaimed victory, he has not released credible vote counts to substantiate his claims. Notably, Edmundo González, an opposition candidate who fled to Spain following an arrest warrant, has been recognized by the Biden administration as the legitimate president-elect of Venezuela. This ongoing political strife is further exacerbated by Maduro’s government’s refusal to acknowledge various abuses reported since the election, which have attracted international condemnation.
In conclusion, the recent sanctions imposed by the United States are a continuation of its strategy to exert pressure on the Maduro government in response to alleged human rights abuses. As the political situation in Venezuela remains precarious, the impact of these sanctions on the Maduro administration’s stability and its response to the opposition continues to be of significant concern to international observers.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
