United States has promised to offer a $25 million reward to anyone who gives information leading to the arrest and conviction of newly sworn-in president of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro. Maduro was sworn in to his third six-year term, a move that occurs amidst turmoil in Venezuela. Other US rewards have also been promised in the capture of Venezuela’s Interior Minister, Diosdado Cabello, and Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino.
This step is supported by new sanctions against eight top Venezuelan officials, including military officers, police officers, and state-owned companies heads like Venezuela’s oil firm and the national airline. According to the US Treasury Department, these officials are accused of helping Maduro repress against his population and destroying democracy in Venezuela.
In this regard, Bradley Smith, the acting undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said that Maduro and his allies have continued to be repressive since the controversial elections last year. “The United States, alongside like-minded partners, supports the Venezuelan people’s vote for new leadership,” he said.
Maduro delivered an oath-taking speech in the parliament, promising that his future term would be a “period of peace,” despite thousands of protesters occupying the streets against him. He said that the “constitutional investiture” could not be stopped and hence called it a victory for democracy.
Other superpowers like the UK, Canada, and the European Union have also denounced Maduro’s government, with the EU refusing to recognize his inauguration as illegitimate.
