Judges among 15 sanctioned by UK over Maduro’s regime

The United Kingdom (UK) has sanctioned 15 new individuals associated with Nicolás Maduro’s contested regime today, while calling out his illegitimate claim to the presidency Sanctions are levelled against judges, including the head of Venezuela’s top court, as well as members of the security forces and military officials responsible for undermining democracy, the rule of law, and human rights violations Foreign Secretary describes Maduro regime as “fraudulent” as the Venezuelan leader is “inaugurated” in Caracas.

The Foreign Secretary has called out Nicolás Maduro’s presidency as “fraudulent” as the Venezuelan leader is sworn in at an official event in Caracas today.

Marking the date with a decisive message of solidarity with the Venezuelan people, the UK has announced a wave of new sanctions against 15 individuals including judges and senior-ranking officials in Maduro’s regime, signalling the UK’s serious concerns around the results of Venezuela’s Presidential elections on July 28, in which significant irregularities and lack of transparency were observed by independent domestic and international reports.

Among those facing sanctions are President of the Supreme Tribunal of Justice – Caryslia Beatriz Rodríguez Rodríguez – who helped legitimise the July 28 election; and Director of Criminal Investigations at the General Directorate of Military Counter-Intelligence – Asdrubal José Brito Hernández – an organisation responsible for serious human rights violations and abuses including the use of sexual and gender-based violence, torture, killings and the arbitrary detention of opposition members and civil society.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: “Nicolás Maduro’s claim to power is fraudulent. The outcome of July’s elections was neither free nor fair and his regime does not represent the will of the Venezuelan people.

“Today’s sanctions send a clear message. The UK will not stand by as Maduro continues to oppress, undermine democracy, and commit appalling human rights violations. All political prisoners must be released and the ongoing repression must end. We will continue to support the people of Venezuela in their fight for a democratic future.” (DS)

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