Venezuela’s National Assembly has passed a controversial law that would ban officials who support international sanctions against the government of President Nicolas Maduro from holding office for up to 60 years. The Simon Bolivar Liberator law imposes harsh penalties, including imprisonment of 25 to 30 years, on those who promote, facilitate, or participate in the adoption of sanctions. It also allows for the shutdown of broadcast media and fines for text-based media that support sanctions.
The law is seen as a move by the Maduro government to crack down on political opposition, who dispute the results of the July presidential election. Protests against the government have been met with a harsh police crackdown, while a series of laws have been passed to stifle dissent. The National Assembly, dominated by pro-Maduro lawmakers, approved the law in response to the US House of Representatives passing the Bolivar Act, which would ban US government bodies from working with individuals connected to the Maduro government.
The US has increased pressure on Maduro’s government, recognizing opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez as the legitimate leader of Venezuela and imposing new sanctions on those involved in the post-election crackdown. Gonzalez, who fled to Spain during the crackdown, plans to return to Venezuela in January. He has expressed readiness to be detained upon his return. Maduro, on the other hand, has denounced US efforts as “trash” and continues to resist calls for transparency regarding the election results.
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