Brussels – The Council of the European Union (EU) on Monday imposed sanctions on 19 leading Venezuelan officials, including generals, politicians and judges from President Nicolás Maduro’s regime, whom it accused of undermining democracy in Caracas.
“The individuals added to the list are responsible, notably, for undermining the oppositions’ electoral rights and the democratic functioning of the National Assembly, and for serious violations of human rights and restrictions of fundamental freedoms,” the Council said in a statement.
The individuals include the governor of oil-producing Zulia state, Oman Prieto; top military commander Remigio Ceballos; and members of the “non-democratically elected National Assembly”, Jose Brito and Jose Bernabe Gutierrez.
The total number of Venezuelan officials subject to sanctions – which include an embargo on arms and on equipment for internal repression, and the imposition of travel bans and asset freezes on listed individuals – now stands at 55.
The Council of the EU said its targeted measures are not designed to have adverse humanitarian effects or unintended consequences for the Venezuelan population, and can be reversed.
“The EU will continue to engage and work with all stakeholders in Venezuela to promote peaceful dialogue and a democratic and sustainable solution to the crises in the country,” it said.
The EU introduced restrictive measures on Venezuela in November 2017. (CMC)
