On November 28, 2024, Venezuela's National Assembly passed a controversial bill that classifies economic sanctions, particularly those imposed by the U.S., as crimes against humanity. This legislation allows for the prosecution of individuals who support these sanctions, bans them from holding public office, and permits the seizure of their property. Convictions under this new law could result in a minimum prison sentence of 25 years [dba9d4ba].
The bill is seen as a direct attack on opposition leaders who have advocated for sanctions as a means to pressure the government of Nicolás Maduro. Following the contentious July 28 election, where Maduro was declared the winner amidst widespread allegations of fraud, anti-government protests erupted, leading to over 2,200 arrests [dba9d4ba]. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who won a primary election last year, has been in hiding after being barred from participating in the election due to her support for sanctions. The Attorney General's Office has initiated an investigation against her for alleged treason related to her comments on U.S. sanctions [dba9d4ba].
Critics argue that this bill further consolidates Maduro's power and suppresses dissent, as it targets those who oppose his regime. The international community has expressed concern over the implications of such legislation on human rights and political freedoms in Venezuela [dba9d4ba].