New Sanctions Imposed on Venezuelan Officials

In response to Nicolás Maduro's disputed inauguration for a third term, Canada, the UK, and the US have imposed sanctions on Venezuelan officials linked to human rights abuses and election fraud. Canada sanctioned 14 officials, while the UK announced restrictions on 15 members of Maduro’s regime, including high-ranking judges and military personnel. The US, calling Maduro's claim of victory illegitimate, increased its reward for information leading to his arrest to $25 million and sanctioned eight Venezuelan officials, including key economic and security leaders. Both the UK and US stressed their support for the Venezuelan people's democratic aspirations and condemned the regime's oppressive actions. Maduro, in his inauguration speech, dismissed the sanctions as attempts to undermine his leadership and vowed to defend Venezuela's sovereignty against foreign attacks. The international community has widely criticized the July 2024 elections as neither free nor fair, further complicating the political situation in Venezuela.