OTTAWA (Reuters) -Canada imposed sanctions on five current or former senior officials of the Venezuelan government on Tuesday, saying the individuals had engaged in activities that undermine democracy in the country.
The Canadian foreign ministry said in a statement the sanction targets “have been implicated in fraudulently declaring Nicolas Maduro the winner of the July 28, 2024, presidential election.”
Those targeted include Caryslia Beatriz Rodríguez, the head of Venezuela’s top court, the Supreme Justice Tribunal.
Neither the communications ministry nor the court responded immediately to requests for comment on the measures.
President Maduro and his government have always rejected sanctions by the United States and others, saying they are illegitimate measures that amount to an “economic war” designed to cripple Venezuela. Maduro and his allies have cheered what they say is the country’s resilience despite the measures, though they have historically blamed some economic hardships and shortages on sanctions.
“Canada remains deeply concerned by the Maduro regime’s destabilizing and anti-democratic activities and the threat they pose to Venezuelans and the region,” the Canadian foreign ministry said.
