Canada Imposes Sanctions on 14 Venezuelan Officials, Supports G7 in Condemning Maduro Inauguration

January 10, 2025 TruthUSA

Canada has imposed sanctions on 14 former and current Venezuelan government officials, aligning with its G7 partners in condemning Nicolas Maduro’s inauguration.

Maduro was inaugurated on Jan. 10 amid ongoing unrest following the disputed July 2024 election results, where both Maduro and Edmondo Gonzalez claimed victory.

The G7 foreign ministers and the European Union criticized the lack of democratic legitimacy in Maduro’s third consecutive six-year term inauguration.

“We reject Maduro’s authoritarian hold on power at the expense of the Venezuelan people, who peacefully voted for change in large numbers on July 28, 2024, as confirmed by independent observers and electoral records,” stated a Global Affairs Canada announcement on Jan. 10.

The statement highlighted the ministers’ concern over Maduro’s continuous violation of democratic norms, rule of law, and human rights.

They also expressed alarm at the arbitrary detentions and mistreatment of civilians, including children, youth, and activists, following peaceful post-election protests that persist to this day.

The countries denounced the crackdown on civilians and opposition members, including prominent leader María Corina Machado.

Machado was detained after an anti-government protest in Caracas but was released on Jan. 9.

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly confirmed her communication with Machado.

“I had a discussion with Maria Corina Machado yesterday regarding the situation in Venezuela and reiterated Canada’s support for those striving to uphold the will of the Venezuelan people,” she posted on the X platform on Jan. 9.

Joly affirmed Canada’s recognition of Gonzalez as Venezuela’s president-elect.

In a statement on Jan. 10, Joly condemned Maduro’s disregard for the rule of law.

“Maduro’s actions blatantly reveal that democracy and the rule of law must be safeguarded. We will not tolerate the undermining of the democratic process or the oppression of citizens seeking to exercise their rights,” she stated.

“Canada has supported and will continue to support the Venezuelan people in their pursuit of a peaceful and democratic society.”

Conservative Party of Canada Leader Pierre Poilievre praised the opposition leader as an inspiration.

“We applaud the courage and leadership of María Corina Machado, whose unwavering dedication to freedom inspires a nation and the world,” he shared on X on Jan. 9.

Poilievre emphasized democracy as a fundamental right that must be upheld, stating, “The world is watching. Together, we must demand an end to oppression and the restoration of democracy in Venezuela.”

The G7 ministers called for a peaceful, democratic, negotiated, and Venezuelan-led solution.

“We are committed to collaborating with Venezuelans and the international community to ensure respect for the democratic mandate of the Venezuelan people, as expressed in the July election, and to establish a peaceful transition of power,” they declared.

Sanctions

Ottawa announced sanctions against 14 former and current senior Venezuelan government officials for engaging in or supporting human rights abuses, including suppressing protests following the 2024 election.

Global Affairs Canada stated that Maduro used these violations to silence those advocating for free and fair elections in Venezuela.

According to Global Affairs, Canada has now sanctioned a total of 131 Venezuelan individuals.

The Canadian Press contributed to this article.

Source link