US ‌Sanctions⁤ 16 Venezuelan Officials Over Alleged Election ​Interference

The‍ United ⁢States has imposed sanctions on ⁤16⁤ Venezuelan⁤ officials, including members of the National Electoral Council (CNE), the Supreme ⁤Court of Justice (TSJ), and the National Assembly. The ⁢sanctions⁣ come after the ⁤officials allegedly ⁤announced the victory​ of Nicolás​ Maduro as “false” in the July 28 elections.

Those sanctioned include the ⁣president‌ of the Supreme Court, Caryslia Rodríguez, the general secretary of the CNE, Antonio José Meneses, and the vice ⁣president of the National Assembly, Pedro Infante Aparicio.

According to State Secretary Antony Blinken, “Instead of‌ respecting ‍the will​ of the Venezuelan​ people expressed in the polls, Maduro and his representatives have falsely announced their victory​ while repressing and terrorizing the democratic opposition in an illegal​ attempt to‍ cling to power.”

The Treasury ⁣Department has announced financial sanctions on ‍the 16 individuals “related to Maduro,” accusing them of preventing a transparent electoral process and publishing accurate electoral results.

The‍ State Department has also banned⁣ entry⁣ into the country of “officials aligned with Maduro who have undermined the electoral process in Venezuela and⁢ are responsible for acts of repression.”

To date, over 140 Venezuelan officials ⁣have‍ been⁤ sanctioned by the ⁣US Treasury,‌ and ⁤nearly 2,000 people are ‌subject to visa restrictions⁣ by the⁣ US State Department.

Secretary ‌Blinken warned that “The United States will ⁢continue to promote⁢ accountability for those who ⁤undermine democracy in Venezuela.”