Canada imposes sanctions on Venezuela officials

By Barry Ellsworth

TRENTON, Ont. (AA) – The Canadian government announced Friday that in support of the people of Venezuela against anti-democratic behavior, it has placed sanctions on 40 key figures in the regime of President Nicolas Maduro.

“Canada will not stand by silently as the Government of Venezuela robs its people of their fundamental democratic rights,” Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said in a statement on the Government of Canada website.

The Canadian sanctions follow that of the United States and comes after at least 125 people have been killed as Maduro has presided over a deteriorating economy and moved to almost dictator status.

“These decisive actions are in response to the Government of Venezuela’s deepening descent into dictatorship,” Freeland said.

The sanctions ban Canadians from any dealings with the South American country and freeze any assets the 40 Venezuelan officials may have in Canada.

“Today’s announcement of sanctions against the Maduro regime underscores our commitment to defending democracy and human rights around the world,” Freeland said. “Canada stands in solidarity with the people of Venezuela as they struggle to restore democracy in their country.”

At least 125 people have been killed during Venezuelan protests as Maduro set up a legislative body that has seized power from the country’s Congress.

Maduro defends his actions by saying he took steps to stop a revolution that is dedicated to end socialism in Latin America and allow U.S.-backed business elites to gain control of the country’s oil assets, Canadian media reported.

Among the 40 who have had sanctions imposed are Maduro and Vice President Tareck El Aissami, as well as ministers of defense and judges.