US EditionVenezuela passes law against piracy, blockades amid US oil ship seizures
The law imposes up to 20 years in prison for supporting blockades or piracy to protect Venezuela's economy amid recent U.S. tanker seizures, officials said.
- On Dec 23, Venezuela's National Assembly unanimously approved a law imposing up to 20 years in prison for aiding blockades or piracy, after pro-government lawmaker Giuseppe Alessandrello introduced the draft.
- Amid a U.S. military build-up in the Caribbean, Washington increased pressure in recent months with strikes on boats accused of drug trafficking and stepped-up operations.
- The draft law, titled the 'Law to Guarantee Freedom of Navigation and Commerce Against Piracy, Blockades, and Other International Illicit Acts', will be sent to the executive once published in the Official Gazette, said Jorge Rodriguez.
- Officials argue the law aims to protect the national economy and living standards, while rights groups warn the U.S. pressure campaign provides a pretext for cracking down and Maduro accuses the U.S. of trying to seize Venezuela's oil.
- Following a U.S. Coast Guard seizure earlier this month, reports of U.S. military movements into the Caribbean and contested legal questions highlight broader escalation amid sanctions on PDVSA.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Venezuela passes law against piracy, blockades amid US oil ship seizures
Venezuela's ruling-party controlled National Assembly unanimously approved a law on Tuesday that allows prison sentences of up to 20 years for anyone who promotes or finances what it describes as piracy or blockades.
Venezuela adopts law against piracy, blockades amid US oil ship seizures
The vote comes amid a series of US actions against Venezuela's oil trade. Earlier this month, the US Coast Guard seized a sanctioned supertanker carrying Venezuelan crude and attempted to intercept two other vessels over the weekend.
The Law to Guarantee Free Navigability and Trade against Piracy in the Seas of the World provides for penalties of up to 20 years in prison
Caracas responds to oil seizures with a shock rule that combines political narrative, legal weapons and risk of further isolation
On Tuesday, the National Assembly (AN) of Venezuela approved the draft law on the protection of the freedoms of navigation and trade against piracy blockades and other illegal international acts. In second discussion, during an extraordinary session on December 23, Venezuelan parliamentarians unanimously approved the proposal that seeks to defend and safeguard the territorial sovereignty of the country, including its seas. In addition to punishi…
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