Venezuelan Gov’t Denounces New Sanctions from ‘Erratic’ Biden Administration

Caracas, November 28, 2024 (venezuelanalysis.com) — The Venezuelan government has condemned Washington’s intensified “aggression” following the imposition of new individual sanctions on a number of top Venezuelan officials.

In a communique issued on Wednesday, Venezuela’s Foreign Affairs Ministry argued that the measures were intended to prolong a “failed regime change policy”, labeling it a “desperate act” by the outgoing President Biden’s “erratic government.”

“These measures do not promote democracy in Venezuela; rather, they aim to provide one last breath of support to a dispersed and discredited fascist group that has no roots in the Venezuelan people, to prolong their failed regime change policy,” read the statement.

Furthermore, Caracas praised the targeted state functionaries for “safeguarding peace, stability, economic recovery and national unity” amidst “fascist violence” promoted by Washington.

On Wednesday, the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced a new round of individual sanctions against 21 officials from the Venezuelan military, police, and state institutions, who will have any US-based assets frozen and face visa restrictions, taking the latter total to nearly 2,000 individuals.

Additionally, financial institutions or persons that engage in transactions with the targeted officials will be subjected to secondary sanctions or “enforcement action.” 

In a press release, the OFAC stated that these measures come in response to the officials’ support for President Nicolás Maduro following the July 28 presidential elections and their alleged involvement in “suppressing” opposition protests during the post-electoral unrest.

The sanctions target ten commanders and operational officers from the Bolivarian National Guard (GNB), as well as a Bolivarian National Police (PNB) brigadier general responsible for citizen security during electoral processes. The list also includes the recently appointed heads of the Bolivarian Militia, the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN), and the Military Counter-Intelligence Command (DGCIM).

Additionally, OFAC sanctioned seven high-ranking government officials, including Communications Minister Freddy Ñáñez, Planning Minister Ricardo Menéndez, and Prison Affairs Minister Julio García Zerpa. The list further includes William Castillo, the Vice Minister of Anti-blockade Policies and general coordinator of the Venezuelan Anti-Blockade Observatory, as well as Daniela Cabello, president of the Venezuelan Export Promotion Agency.

Since 2017, OFAC has imposed extensive sanctions on various sectors of the Venezuelan economy, particularly targeting the crucial oil industry. On November 18, the US House of Representatives passed the BOLIVAR Act, which aims to codify existing restrictions against Venezuela into law and potentially broaden the measures. Washington has likewise sanctioned a total of 180 current and former Venezuelan officials, including the group announced on Wednesday.

Following the Caribbean nation’s July 28 presidential contest, Washington declared its support for the Venezuelan far-right’s victory claim, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently referring to US-backed candidate Edmundo González as “president-elect.” 

On Wednesday, the G7, comprising the US, Canada, Italy, Germany, Britain, Japan and France, issued a statement backing González and vowed to continue supporting “efforts by regional partners” to facilitate a “peaceful transition.” 

The Venezuelan government condemned the G7’s “interventionist and arrogant attitude” and its efforts to “disregard” the country’s institutions and the will of its people. Caracas also stated that it would reevaluate its relations with each member of the bloc.

González, who self-exiled in Spain in September, has announced his intention to assume power on January 10, when the new constitutional presidential mandate begins. However, he currently faces an arrest warrant from the Attorney General’s Office on charges of usurpation of functions, forgery, instigation to disobey the law, association to commit a crime and conspiracy.

According to Venezuela’s electoral authorities, Maduro won the July presidential election, with 6.4 million votes to González’s 5.3 million. These results were ratified by Venezuela’s Supreme Court in August. 

The hardline opposition, led by far-right leader María Corina Machado, refused to recognize the official results and declared González the winner but chose to ignore the high court’s summons to submit evidence during its review of the electoral process. 

The Maduro government has accused opposition leaders of instigating violent protests in the immediate election aftermath. According to reports, 27 people died, including two Socialist Party (PSUV) grassroots activists, and there was extensive damage to public property in several cities. Authorities executed around 2,000 arrests.

Earlier this month, Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab met with relatives of detainees, including the families of 16- and 17-year-old teenagers, and committed to review 225 cases. Soon after, more than 200 prisoners were released, although some will face probation and might still go to trial.

Edited by Ricardo Vaz.