US Sanctions 21 Venezuelan Officials Over Election Crackdown

The sanctions target security and cabinet officials accused of repressing protests after a disputed July presidential election.

The United States imposed sanctions on 21 Venezuelan officials, including security and cabinet members, for their roles in suppressing protests after the contested July 28 presidential election.
The Biden administration recognized opposition leader Edmundo González as Venezuela's president-elect, rejecting Nicolás Maduro's claim of victory in the disputed election.
Venezuelan authorities are accused of using violence to stifle dissent, with reports of at least 25 protesters killed and over 2,400 arrested during demonstrations.
The sanctions block access to U.S. assets and financial systems, with additional visa restrictions targeting nearly 2,000 individuals linked to electoral misconduct and repression.
Maduro's government has faced growing international isolation, while Venezuelan lawmakers advanced legislation to criminalize support for foreign sanctions as a crime against humanity.