The National Assembly has approved a law that punishes Venezuelans who request or support external sanctions with up to 30 years in prison.

National Assembly of Venezuela On Thursday, a law giving harsh punishment to Venezuelans was approved Those who request or support international sanctions, defy public powers or threaten the territorial integrity and sovereignty and independence of the country.

The project, approved by the unicameral legislature with a pro-government majority, indirectly targets opposition leaders, many of whom have supported economic sanctions in an effort to pressure the government to negotiate. legal means Codifies these actions as crimes against humanity and allows the processing of anyone who expresses support.

The law contemplates Disqualification from holding public office for 60 years and running for elections, impeachment, confiscation of property and trial in absentia of the accused. This also includes initiating judicial proceedings against those who request or participate in “aggressive acts”. With a prison sentence of 25 to 30 years.

Amid criticism from political opponents and local and foreign human rights organizationsLegislators approved the rule in a second discussion.

The instrument will come into force once it is promulgated by President Nicolás Maduro and published in the Official Gazette. It will first be sent to the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice, an entity close to the government, to rule on its constitutionality, said Jorge Rodriguez, the assembly president and a close Maduro ally.

This law was promoted by Maduro’s allies The United States House of Representatives has approved a bill that blocks the US government from negotiating with people or companies conducting commercial operations with Venezuela. That project was introduced by Florida representatives, Democrat Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Republican Mike Waltz, whom Donald Trump selected as his national security adviser. Its processing in the US Senate and the President’s approval are still pending.

Maduro has defended the new regulation, arguing that it is “necessary to establish heavy penalties for all Venezuelans born here or with Venezuelan citizenship who request, promote or support a criminal blockade or sanctions.” Or that they demand action against any foreigner who causes harm to Venezuela.

The president says the complex crisis facing the South American country is the result of sanctions that Washington has imposed to force Venezuela to step aside from power, while opponents and analysts assure that the economic and social difficulties imposed Due to wrong policies. Maduro during his 11 years in office.

Maduro’s allies want to punish those Venezuelans, Which also includes opposition leader Maria Corina MachadoWho have requested sanctions and blockade against Venezuela.

Last Friday, the Venezuelan prosecutor’s office opened a new investigation against Machado for alleged “commission of the crime of treason” after he issued comments in favor of a bill approved by the US House of Representatives.

In defense of the political leader, former opposition candidate Edmundo González assured last week on his Is. ,

maduro government shows his fear “In front of a woman who has organized an entire country and, despite oppression, has continued to move forward so that the sovereign will of all Venezuelans is recognized,” González said. On 28th July. Electoral officials declared Maduro the winner without showing voting records.

The United States recognized Gonzalez last week As the “elected president” of Venezuela.

Machado, who is in hiding, has been under criminal investigation since early August for allegedly inciting an insurrection following popular protests following the election.}