Venezuela Cracks Down on Dissent with New Law Punishing Critics of the Government
Venezuela’s National Assembly passed a contentious law Thursday, imposing harsh penalties on citizens who request or support international sanctions, challenge government authority, or threaten the country’s territorial integrity. Approved by a pro-government majority, the law effectively silences opposition voices, many of whom advocate for economic sanctions to pressure the government into negotiation.
The legislation, which categorizes such actions as “crimes against humanity,” allows for the prosecution of individuals who merely express support for sanctions. Punishment includes disqualification from holding office for up to 60 years, dismissal from current positions, asset confiscation, and trials conducted in the absence of the accused. Those deemed to participate in what the government labels “acts of aggression” face sentences ranging from 25 to 30 years.
The law’s passage fueled criticism from political opponents and human rights groups both within Venezuela and abroad.
President Nicolás Maduro, who is expected to promulgate the law following its publication in the Official Gazette, has maintained that his country’s economic and social woes stem from U.S. sanctions aimed at removing him from power.
Opponents argue that these difficulties arise from the government’s misguided policies.
Jorge Rodríguez, the president of Congress and a close ally of Maduro, stated that the law would be reviewed by the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court, a body closely aligned with the government, to determine its constitutionality.
The legislation appears to be a direct response to a bill approved by the U.S. House of Representatives that would prohibit the U.S. government from negotiating with Venezuelan individuals or entities. Sponsored by Democratic Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Republican Representative Mike Walz, a former national security advisor to Donald Trump, this bill awaits Senate processing and presidential approval.
“Hurt Venezuela.”
The Maduro government, meanwhile, has intensified its crackdown on dissent. Opposition leader María Collina Machado, a vocal advocate for sanctions and a blockade against the Venezuelan government, is now facing new charges of treason following her public support of the U.S. House bill.
Machado, who has gone into hiding, is also under investigation for allegedly inciting rebellion during post-election protests.
Edmundo González, a former opposition candidate who was recently recognized as Venezuela’s “president-elect” by the United States, strongly condemned the charges against Machado.
“This is an attempt to silence her,” González stated on his X account (formerly Twitter), “not just an attack on her, but an attack on all Venezuelans.” He added that the Maduro government’s actions illustrate its fear of Machado, “a woman who mobilized the entire country, and despite persecution, moved forward to have the sovereign will of all Venezuelans recognized.”
What specific provisions of Venezuela’s new law criminalize dissent and target critics of the government?
## Stifling Dissent: Interview with Professor Amelia Sanchez on Venezuela’s Controversial New Law
**Host:** Welcome back to the programme. We’re discussing the recent news out of Venezuela regarding a new law targeting critics of the government. Joining me today is Professor Amelia Sanchez, an expert on Venezuelan politics and human rights. Professor Sanchez, can you shed some light on this concerning development?
**Professor Sanchez:** Thank you for having me. This new law is deeply troubling indeed. It effectively criminalizes dissent by equating calls for international sanctions or even expressing support for them with “crimes against humanity.” It targets those who challenge the government, potentially silencing political opposition and human rights defenders.
**Host:** The law seems remarkably broad. Who exactly does it target?
**Professor Sanchez:** It casts a wide net. Anyone who requests or supports sanctions, challenges government authority, or even expresses views deemed to threaten Venezuela’s territorial integrity could be prosecuted. This vague language leaves the door open for serious abuses, allowing the government to target individuals based on their political beliefs or activism.
**Host:** The Venezuelan government maintains that the law is necessary to protect national sovereignty and blames the country’s economic woes on U.S. sanctions. How do you respond to this argument?
**Professor Sanchez:** While it’s true that U.S. sanctions have had a significant impact on Venezuela’s economy, this law is a classic example of deflecting blame and silencing dissent. It fails to address the underlying issues contributing to Venezuela’s crisis, such as corruption and mismanagement.
**Host:** What are the potential consequences of this law for Venezuela’s future?
**Professor Sanchez:** The implications are dire. This law further erodes democratic norms and freedoms in Venezuela. It chills free speech and discourages peaceful dissent, pushing the country further down a path of authoritarianism.
**Host:** Are there any international responses to this development?
**Professor Sanchez:** The international community has expressed concern. Human rights groups have condemned the law, and some countries have called for its repeal. Ultimately, the pressure needs to be sustained to hold the Venezuelan government accountable and protect the fundamental rights of the Venezuelan people.
**Host:** Professor Sanchez, thank you for sharing your valuable insights. This is definitely a situation to watch closely.
**Professor Sanchez:** My pleasure. I hope the international community continues to stand up for democracy and human rights in Venezuela.
