Venezuela’s National Assembly has passed the Simon Bolivar Liberator law, imposing severe penalties on officials supporting U.S. sanctions. Under the new law, those who advocate or facilitate sanctions can face imprisonment from 25 to 30 years and be barred from public office for up to 60 years. Media outlets promoting sanctions risk closure or fines of up to $51.7 million.
This legislation is seen as a crackdown on opposition figures who contest President Nicolas Maduro’s legitimacy after the disputed July election. The opposition claims victory and has released precinct data challenging Maduro’s win.
The U.S. recently recognized opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez as Venezuela’s rightful leader and announced new sanctions. Gonzalez, currently in Spain, plans to return in January, despite the risk of arrest. Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate is yet to approve its Bolivar Act, which would ban collaboration with Maduro’s government.
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