Governments of the United Kingdom and the United States took action on Friday against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's regime, sanctioning individuals linked to his contested presidency.
The UK imposed sanctions on 15 individuals, including judges and military officials, accusing them of undermining democracy and committing human rights violations. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy described Maduro's presidency as "fraudulent" following his inauguration in Caracas, emphasizing that the Venezuelan leader's claim to power was neither legitimate nor representative of the people's will.
Similarly, the US Treasury sanctioned eight Venezuelan officials, including key figures in Venezuela's oil and transportation sectors. Additionally, the US State Department increased rewards to up to $25 million for information leading to the capture of Maduro and his Minister of Interior, Diosdado Cabello, and up to $15 million for Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino.
