Biden Admin Sanctions Venezuelan Officials Following Disputed Election
NewsweekDec 07, 2024
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.
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.
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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.