“The Council of the European Union adopted a new package of sanctions against persons responsible for violations of rights and freedoms in Venezuela, as well as for the illegal extension of the powers of Nicolás Maduro.”, — write: www.ukrinform.ua
The Council of the European Union adopted a new package of sanctions against persons responsible for violations of rights and freedoms in Venezuela, as well as for the illegal extension of the powers of Nicolás Maduro.
“In view of the situation, the Council decided to adopt a new package of targeted sanctions against 15 persons responsible for undermining democracy, the rule of law or human rights in Venezuela,” the message states.
At the same time, it is indicated that after the elections, the regime in Venezuela intensified repression and persecution of the opposition, civil society activists, and their family members. More than 2,500 citizens, including minors, were arrested.
“And although the European Union takes into account the release of some of them, no one should have been put behind bars even for a day. The EU calls on the Venezuelan authorities to end all unjust and arbitrary detentions, including of persons with dual citizenship and foreigners, and to unconditionally release all political prisoners,” the statement emphasized.
Read also: Canada expanded sanctions against Venezuela It will be recalled that on Friday the US government announced new sanctions against Venezuelan officials. In addition, Washington announced an increase in the reward to $25 million for information leading to the arrest of President Maduro.
As Ukrinform reported, on January 10, Maduro took the oath of office of the president of Venezuela, extending his third term in office for another six years.
The government-controlled National Electoral Council declared Nicolás Maduro the winner of the July 28 election, saying he won 51 percent of the vote to 43 percent for the main opposition candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez. The Supreme Court – another body controlled by Maduro – ratified this result.
Read also: A court in Argentina issued an arrest warrant Maduro However, the opposition released reports of the vote count at the polling stations, verified by independent observers, which showed that oppositionist Gonzalez had won. On August 1, the USA recognized him as the winner of the elections.
In September, the European Parliament also recognized Gonzalez as the president-elect of Venezuela and condemned Maduro for election fraud and human rights violations.
Photo: Gaby Oraa/Bloomberg