PRESIDENT TINUBU'S MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE TO CHIMAMANDA ADICHIE AND HER FAMILY. (PHOTO). #PRESS RELEASE.
Venezuela’s National Assembly on Tuesday passed a law that criminalizes a wide range of actions that interfere with navigation and commerce, including the seizure of oil tankers.
The legislation was introduced, debated, and approved within two days and comes after U.S. forces seized two tankers carrying Venezuelan oil in international waters earlier this month. These actions are part of President Donald Trump’s ongoing campaign to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, targeting vessels the U.S. says are used to circumvent sanctions.
Although the National Assembly, controlled by Maduro’s ruling party, did not release the bill text, lawmakers said it imposes fines and prison terms of up to 20 years for anyone involved in “acts of piracy, blockades, or other international illegal acts” against commercial operations in Venezuela. The measure also directs the executive branch to develop protections and incentives for national and foreign businesses affected by piracy, blockades, or other illegal actions.
Venezuelan opposition figures, including Nobel laureate MarÃa Corina Machado, have voiced support for U.S. measures against Maduro, including the tanker seizures.
The U.S. Coast Guard seized the Panama-flagged vessel Centuries on Saturday and, with Navy support, captured the tanker Skipper on Dec. 10. Following the initial seizure, Trump announced plans for a U.S. “blockade” of Venezuela and has repeatedly said Maduro’s hold on power is weakening.
Trump also warned that any attempt by Maduro to resist would be his last, making the U.S. military buildup in the region a key component of his strategy.
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