On Monday 22 January, the Council of Ministers for Foreign Affairs from the member states of the EU decided to put 7 individuals holding official positions in Venezuela under restrictive measures, with immediate effect. These individuals include the Minister for the Interior Néstor Luis Reverol Torres (see EUROPE 11942).
The Head of the Bolivarian National Intelligence Services (SEBIN) Gustavo Enrique González López, the President of the National Election Council, Tibisay Lucena Ramírez, the Chief of the Capital District Government and former General Commander of the Bolivarian National Guard, Antonio José Benavides Torres, the President of the Supreme Court, Maikel José Moreno Pérez, the Venezuelan Prosecutor General, appointed by the Constituent Assembly, Tarek William Saab Halabi, and the First Vice President of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), Member of the Constituent Assembly, Diosdado Cabello Rondón, also have had their assets frozen and they are subject to a visa ban.
According to the Council press release, “These individuals are involved in the non-respect of democratic principles or the rule of law as well as in the violation of human rights”. The press release explains that the decision to impose sanctions stems from the fact that the political, social and economic situation in Venezuela continues to deteriorate and negotiations between the government and the opposition have not yet delivered concrete results. The Council adds that, “The political, social and economic situation in Venezuela continues to deteriorate, and as negotiations between the government and the opposition have not yet delivered concrete results”. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)