LONDON (Reuters) -Britain announced new sanctions on Friday against 15 people associated with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s government, saying they were responsible for human rights violations and undermining democracy and the rule of law.
The sanctions target 15 individuals, including the head of Venezuela’s top court, members of the security forces and military officials, Britain’s Foreign Office said in a statement.
The sanctions were announced on the day of Maduro’s inauguration for a third term and coincided with sanctions imposed by the United States and European Union member states. He has remained in power despite a dispute over an election and international calls for him to stand aside.
Maduro and his government have always rejected sanctions by the United States and others, saying they are illegitimate measures that amount to an “economic war” designed to cripple Venezuela.
Maduro and his allies have cheered what they say is the country’s resilience despite the measures, though they have historically blamed some economic hardships and shortages on sanctions.
Venezuela’s electoral authority and top court say Maduro, whose time in office has been marked by a deep economic and social crisis, won last year’s presidential vote, though they have not published detailed tallies.
Those targeted by Britain’s sanctions will face travel bans and asset freezes, preventing them from entering Britain and from holding funds or economic resources in Britain.
(Reporting by Sachin Ravikumar, Editing by Peter Graff and Timothy Heritage)
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