The United Kingdom announced new sanctions this Friday (10) against 15 people associated with the government of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, arguing that they are responsible for human rights violations and for undermining democracy and the rule of law.
The sanctions include the head of Venezuela’s high court, members of the security forces and military officers, the British Foreign Office said.
Those targeted by this measure will face travel bans and asset freezes, preventing them from entering the United Kingdom and keeping funds or economic resources in the country.
The sanctions were announced on the day of Maduro’s inauguration for a third term and coincided with sanctions imposed by the United States and European Union member states.
Maduro remains in power despite disputes over the election and calls from the international community for him to step down.
Venezuela’s government has consistently criticized sanctions from the United States and other countries, saying they are illegitimate measures that amount to an “economic war” designed to paralyze the nation.
Contested presidential elections
Several countries contested Maduro’s victory in the presidential elections on July 28, 2024.
The Chavista leader and Edmundo González, the opposition candidate, claim to have been elected.
Venezuela’s National Electoral Council, a Chavismo-backed body, formally declared Maduro the winner without providing a vote count.
The opposition contested and released results collected across the country, saying they proved González won by a landslide.
Independent analysts have concluded that the tallies published by opponents are likely valid, and several countries, including the United States, have recognized Gonzalez as president-elect in recent months.
Thousands of Venezuelans protested the results shortly after the vote, demanding transparency. Many marched in the streets and clashed with the police.
González, who went into exile in Spain, promises to return to Venezuela to form a new government and avoid a new Maduro mandate.
Earlier this week, he urged the military to recognize him as its commander-in-chief and “end the leadership” of the current president, who has been in power since 2013.
This content was originally published in United Kingdom imposes sanctions on Venezuelan authorities on the day of Maduro’s inauguration on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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