US imposes sanctions on 21 Venezuelan officials following controversial election

The United States has sanctioned 21 Venezuelan officials in response to their role in suppressing protests after the presidential election held in July, a senior Washington official confirmed.

Among those targeted are members of President Nicolas Maduro’s Cabinet, including Planning Minister Ricardo Jose Menedez and Communications Minister Freddy Alfred Nazaret, as well as top intelligence officials Alexis Jose Rodriguez and Javier Jose Marcano, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The sanctions follow Washington’s accusations that Maduro falsely claimed victory in the election, which has been widely criticized as fraudulent. The US government recognizes opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez as the legitimate president-elect.

Bradley Smith, Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury Department, stated, "Maduro and his representatives' repressive actions in the wake of the Venezuelan presidential election are a desperate attempt to silence the voices of its citizens."

The election has drawn condemnation from Venezuela’s opposition, as well as Western countries and international organizations, who have called for the full publication of ballot results. Many view the vote as lacking transparency and legitimacy.

In response to the sanctions, Venezuela’s government denounced the move as a "desperate act" aimed at undermining the country’s sovereignty. A statement from the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry condemned the sanctions, labelling them as an attack against "patriots" who have worked to preserve peace, stability, and national unity amidst ongoing challenges.

Despite widespread calls for transparency, Maduro has refused to release detailed polling data to substantiate his electoral claims. Venezuela continues to face a severe economic crisis, with many citizens struggling to access essential goods like food and medicine.

By Khagan Isayev