The Case for Engagement With Venezuela
Foreign AffairsDEC 2024
Venezuela Passes Law to Criminalize Support for Sanctions
Above: National Assembly Pres. Jorge Rodriguez greets supporters in Caracas on Nov. 28, 2024. Image copyright: Juan Barreto/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
This piece of legislation is needed to protect national sovereignty and defend Venezuela against foreign interference that harms its people and officials through illegal sanctions. In the face of continued external aggression to destabilize the country, the Liberator Simón Bolívar Act will ensure national unity.
Pro-establishment narrative
This legislation further escalates Maduro's systematic crackdown on political opposition and civil society, effectively criminalizing dissent and preventing legitimate criticism of the government. Sanctions are legitimate tools to pressure his regime to accept the election results and facilitate a democratic transition in Venezuela.