News Americas, New York, NY, November 27, 2024: The US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, (OFAC), has imposed sanctions on 21 senior Venezuelan officials aligned with Nicolás Maduro in response to post-election repression and human rights violations. These individuals, including military and cabinet-level figures, are accused of undermining democracy after a July 28 presidential election in which a majority of Venezuelans elected Edmundo González Urrutia as president, a result rejected by the Maduro regime.
The sanctions, issued under Executive Order (EO) 13692, target individuals complicit in Maduro’s crackdown on civil society, including arbitrary arrests, suppression of peaceful protests and an unjustified arrest warrant for González Urrutia, who has since fled the country .
“The repressive actions of Maduro and his proxies in the wake of Venezuela’s presidential election are a desperate attempt to silence the voices of its citizens,” said Bradley T. Smith, Treasury’s Acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. “The United States will continue to shine a light on those who seek to use violence and intimidation to undermine democratic governance.”
The US State Department has also introduced new visa restrictions under Presidential Proclamation 9931, identifying nearly 2,000 individuals for undermining democracy or violating human rights.
The main objectives of the sanctions
Sanctioned officials include members of the Bolivarian National Guard (GNB), National Police (BNP), National Intelligence Service (SEBIN) and Military Counterintelligence (DGCIM). These entities played a central role in suppressing dissent and arbitrarily arresting opposition supporters.
Notable individuals targeted include:
- Dilio Guillermo Rodríguez DíazCommander of GNB Capital REDI, linked to violent strikes.
- Carlos Eduardo Aigster VillamizarGNB Commander for Miranda State, involved in arbitrary detentions.
- Ruben Dario Santiago ServignaBrigadier General of PKB, who oversees election security operations.
- Alexis José Rodríguez CabelloDirector of SEBIN, known for harassing journalists and activists.
Additionally, key figures in Maduro’s cabinet, including ministers and deputy ministers, were sanctioned for facilitating election fraud and suppressing dissent.
Implications of sanctions
Sanctions freeze all assets and interests of certain individuals within US jurisdiction and prohibit US persons from transacting with them. Financial institutions that engage with these individuals may face enforcement action. OFAC emphasized that the ultimate goal of sanctions is to encourage a change in behavior, not punishment.
These actions reinforce the US government’s commitment to hold the Maduro regime accountable and to support Venezuelans’ pursuit of democracy and human rights.
