U.S. Sanctions on Maduro's Allies Over Venezuelan Election Fraud

The Biden administration imposed sanctions on 16 allies of Venezuelan President Maduro over election fraud and repression. Key officials, including Supreme Court President Caryslia Rodriguez and others, were targeted. The U.S. aims to pressure Maduro into negotiations while addressing concerns over the impact on Venezuela's energy sector.

The Biden administration announced on Thursday the imposition of U.S. sanctions on 16 allies of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in response to voter fraud and subsequent political repression in the country. This decisive move follows the escape of opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez to Spain after Maduro's government issued a warrant for his arrest.

The sanctions list includes high-ranking officials such as Supreme Court President Caryslia Rodriguez, electoral council director Rosalba Gil, and National Assembly Vice President Pedro Infante, among others involved in the election process and alleged post-election oppression. Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed that visa restrictions would also be imposed on an unspecified number of Maduro-aligned officials.

Despite these actions, the U.S. stopped short of implementing new measures against Venezuela's crucial energy sector, which is already heavily sanctioned. President Biden's administration seeks to penalize Maduro for undermining democratic elections while avoiding escalation that could affect global oil prices and contribute to migration issues. Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo emphasized the need for targeting officials complicit in Maduro's fraudulent claims and suppression of dissent. However, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil condemned the sanctions as an act of aggression.

(With inputs from agencies.)