OTTAWA (Reuters) – Canada on Friday imposed sanctions on 14 current and former senior Venezuelan government officials for engaging in activities that supported human rights abuses in Venezuela.
The sanctions coincide with measures taken by Canada’s allies, including the United States and the United States Kingdom (TADAWUL:), and “show a message of solidarity with the Venezuelan people,” Canada’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Venezuela’s Communications Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Friday’s new and expanded sanctions by the United States and Britain, among others.
President Nicolas Maduro, who was sworn in for a third term on Friday, and his government have consistently rejected sanctions from the United States and others, saying they are illegal measures that amount to an “economic war” intended to paralyze Venezuela .
Maduro and his allies have applauded the country’s resilience despite the measures, although they have historically attributed some economic hardships and shortages to sanctions.
