US Treasury sanctions Venezuelan officials backing Maduro’s ‘repression and illegitimate power grab’

(Originally posted on : Invezz )

Nicolas Maduro was unexpectedly sworn in for a third term as president of Venezuela, sparking widespread national and international outrage.

In response to these actions, on January 10, the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on eight senior Venezuelan officials directly involved in Maduro’s ongoing efforts to suppress opposition and undermine democratic processes in the country.

According to a statement from the Treasury, these sanctions align with similar actions taken by international allies, including Canada, the European Union, and the United Kingdom, further strengthening the anti-Maduro coalition.

The sanctioned officials are accused of involvement in various state agencies, including the president of Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PdVSA), the Minister of Transportation, and the president of the Venezuelan Consortium of Aeronautical Industries and Air Services (CONVIASA), a state-owned airline.

OFAC has focused its sanctions on high-ranking military and police officials, who oversee the organizations implicated in alleged human rights violations committed by the Venezuelan government.

These actions were taken under Executive Order (E.O.) 13692, which targets individuals responsible for undermining Venezuela’s democratic institutions.

Bradley T. Smith, the US Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, emphasized the US government’s resolve:

“Since the election last year, Maduro and his associates have continued their repressive actions in Venezuela,” said Smith.

“The United States, along with our like-minded partners, stands with the Venezuelan people in their pursuit of new leadership and rejects Maduro’s fraudulent claim of victory.”

Repression intensifies after the elections

The Venezuelan presidential elections, held on July 28, 2024, led to increased pressure from the US and its allies for Maduro to pursue a democratic transition.

However, Maduro’s response has been to escalate his repression of the opposition, protests, and any calls for political change.

The government’s use of force and disregard for the electoral process have continued to worsen, as Maduro seeks to maintain control despite widespread condemnation.

Human rights organizations have reported a significant rise in arrests, detentions, and violence against dissenters since the elections, leaving many citizens fearful of retaliation for voicing opposition to the government.

US ramps up the pressure with stronger measures

In an effort to further deprive Maduro of the resources needed to maintain power and suppress the opposition, the US State Department has intensified its Narcotics Rewards Program.

The US is offering up to $25 million for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Maduro and Diosdado Cabello, the Minister of Interior, Justice, and Peace.

Additionally, a new reward of up to $15 million has been offered for reliable information on Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino.

The US State Department has also imposed new visa restrictions on at least 2,000 Maduro-aligned officials, “who deliberately undermine the electoral process and facilitate acts of repression.”

These restrictions are an essential tool for isolating and holding accountable the Maduro administration’s enforcers.

Global solidarity with Venezuela’s citizens

The involvement of international partners highlights a growing global consensus that the Venezuelan people deserve a transition toward democracy and justice.

While Maduro deepens the country’s repression, the united efforts of the US and its allies send a strong message that democracy, accountability, and human rights are non-negotiable and must be upheld worldwide.

The ongoing sanctions and diplomatic efforts not only demonstrate solidarity with Venezuelan citizens but also reject Maduro’s illegitimate rule, reinforcing the global call for genuine democratic governance in Venezuela.

As the international community remains firm in its stance, there is hope that the voices of the Venezuelan people will ultimately prevail in their fight for freedom and democracy.

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