US Sanctions 16 Allies of Venezuelan President Maduro
The United States has announced sanctions on 16 allies of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in response to alleged voter fraud in the country’s recent election. The election, which saw Maduro re-elected, has been rejected by the US, as well as several European and Latin American nations.
Following the election, Edmundo Gonzalez, recognized by the US and other countries as the winner, was forced to flee to Spain after Maduro’s government issued a warrant for his arrest. In response, Caracas condemned the US sanctions as a “crime of aggression.”
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the US would continue to promote accountability for those undermining democracy in Venezuela. Key officials, including members of the National Electoral Council and the Supreme Tribunal of Justice, have been targeted for sanctions by the US Treasury Department.
The US has also imposed visa restrictions on “Maduro-aligned” officials in response to the election dispute. Many countries have criticized Maduro for claiming victory without providing evidence and have called for transparency in the election process.