WEB DESK: The United States has raised the reward for information leading to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s arrest to $25 million, coinciding with his swearing-in for a contested third term. The inauguration faced international condemnation and opposition accusations of electoral fraud.
Additional US rewards include $15 million for Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino and incentives targeting Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello. These measures follow narcotics and corruption charges against Maduro’s government since 2020, including “narco-terrorism” allegations.
The UK, EU, and Canada imposed fresh sanctions on top Venezuelan officials, citing democracy and human rights violations. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy labeled Maduro’s regime “fraudulent,” while Canada condemned the “erosion of democracy.”
Maduro rejected the accusations, blaming US sanctions for Venezuela’s economic collapse. Critics point to corruption and mismanagement. Despite global isolation, Maduro vowed his new term would bring “peace and prosperity.”
With international pressure mounting, the UN has called for the release of those detained after the disputed elections.
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