Venezuela’s National Assembly, dominated by the ruling party, has unanimously passed a law imposing prison sentences of up to 20 years for promoting or financing what it terms piracy or blockades. This legislation, which also addresses other international crimes, follows recent U.S. actions against Venezuelan oil shipments, including the seizure of a sanctioned supertanker earlier this month.
The U.S. Coast Guard’s interceptions represent a significant escalation in pressure on Venezuela’s state oil company, PDVSA, which has been under sanctions since 2019. The new law, titled “Law to Guarantee Freedom of Navigation and Commerce Against Piracy, Blockades, and Other International Illicit Acts,” was introduced by pro-government lawmaker Giuseppe Alessandrello and will be sent to the executive for approval.
National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez criticized the political opposition, accusing them of supporting U.S. sanctions and undermining Venezuela’s economy. He claimed they are complicit in the aggressive actions taken by the U.S. in the Caribbean, which he alleges are aimed at destabilizing President Nicolas Maduro’s government. The U.S. maintains that its operations target sanctions evasion and drug trafficking.
