Venezuela's National Assembly unanimously approved on Thursday a new law that charges international economic sanctions against the country as crimes against humanity and imposes penalties on those who support them.

Associated Press

Al Jazeera

Venezuela's National Assembly unanimously approved on Thursday a new law that charges international economic sanctions against the country as crimes against humanity and imposes penalties on those who support them.

Under the so-called Liberator Simón Bolívar Act, anyone who "promotes, instigates, requests, invokes, favors, facilitates, supports or participates in the adoption of coercive measures" will face between 25 and 30 years in jail as well as fines of up to $1M, and be barred from office for 60 years.

Ultimas Noticias

Barron's

Under the so-called Liberator Simón Bolívar Act, anyone who "promotes, instigates, requests, invokes, favors, facilitates, supports or participates in the adoption of coercive measures" will face between 25 and 30 years in jail as well as fines of up to $1M, and be barred from office for 60 years.

The law, which allows for trials in absentia and seizure of property, also provides several penalties for media outlets found to be pro-sanctions, including multimillion dollar fines and shutdown.

The law, which allows for trials in absentia and seizure of property, also provides several penalties for media outlets found to be pro-sanctions, including multimillion dollar fines and shutdown.

This comes as the US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control announced on Wednesday new sanctions on 21 Venezuelan officials for their alleged role in undermining the electoral process in Venezuela and repressing the opposition.

US Department of State

Venezuelanalysis

This comes as the US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control announced on Wednesday new sanctions on 21 Venezuelan officials for their alleged role in undermining the electoral process in Venezuela and repressing the opposition.

Among those sanctioned are Communications Minister Freddy Ñáñez, intelligence chief Alexis José Rodríguez Cabello — who is cousin of Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello — and the head of the Directorate of Military Counterintelligence, Javier José Marcano Tabata.

US Department of the Treasury

Among those sanctioned are Communications Minister Freddy Ñáñez, intelligence chief Alexis José Rodríguez Cabello — who is cousin of Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello — and the head of the Directorate of Military Counterintelligence, Javier José Marcano Tabata.

Last week he legislation follows the US House of Representatives' passage of the BOLIVAR Act, which would prohibit US government bodies from contracting companies doing business with Maduro's government. The dispute stems from Venezuela's July 28 presidential election, where both Maduro and opposition candidate Edmundo González claim victory, with González subsequently fleeing to Spain.

Reuters

Axios

Last week he legislation follows the US House of Representatives' passage of the BOLIVAR Act, which would prohibit US government bodies from contracting companies doing business with Maduro's government. The dispute stems from Venezuela's July 28 presidential election, where both Maduro and opposition candidate Edmundo González claim victory, with González subsequently fleeing to Spain.

Anadolu Agency

The law allows authorities to prosecute supporters of sanctions in absentia, imposes political bans of up to 60 years, and permits the seizure of property from those found guilty.

Al Jazeera #2376

Media outlets face severe penalties under the law, with broadcast media risking closure and text-based media facing fines of up to $51.7 million for supporting sanctions.

Associated Press #3536

The legislation follows the US House of Representatives' passage of the BOLIVAR Act, which would prohibit US government bodies from contracting companies doing business with Maduro's government.

Bloomberg

Bloomberg #

The law's approval comes after the US Treasury imposed sanctions on 21 Venezuelan officials for their alleged role in undermining the July presidential election.

The dispute stems from Venezuela's July 28 presidential election, where both Maduro and opposition candidate Edmundo González claim victory, with González subsequently fleeing to Spain.

The legislation represents another step in Maduro's systematic crackdown on political opposition and civil society, effectively criminalizing dissent and preventing legitimate criticism of the government. It aims to silence those who seek international support to restore democracy in Venezuela.

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United States of America

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The law is a necessary measure to protect Venezuela's sovereignty and defend against foreign interference that harms the Venezuelan people through illegal sanctions. It serves as a shield against destabilizing intentions and ensures national unity in the face of external aggression.

The law is a necessary measure to protect Venezuela's sovereignty and defend against foreign interference that harms the Venezuelan people through illegal sanctions. It serves as a shield against destabilizing intentions and ensures national unity in the face of external aggression.

teleSUR English

The National Assembly of Venezuela Passes Organic Law in Defense of the Republic and Against the Imperialist Blockade

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The legislation represents another step in Maduro's systematic crackdown on political opposition and civil society, effectively criminalizing dissent and preventing legitimate criticism of the government. It aims to silence those who seek international support to restore democracy in Venezuela.

US to sanction Maduro-aligned officials, to put pressure on Venezuela’s president to accept election results

There's a 79% chance that Edmundo González, the opposition candidate in the 2024 Venezuelan presidential election, will be charged with a crime by Venezuelan authorities before the end of 2024, according to the Metaculus prediction community.

There's a 79% chance that Edmundo González, the opposition candidate in the 2024 Venezuelan presidential election, will be charged with a crime by Venezuelan authorities before the end of 2024, according to the Metaculus prediction community.

Metaculus

Will Edmundo González, the opposition candidate in the 2024 Venezuelan presidential election, be charged with a crime by Venezuelan authorities before the end of 2024?

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Venezuela Passes Law to Criminalize Support for Sanctions

Venezuela Passes Law Criminalizesto Criminalize Support for US Sanctions

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