ECNETNews, New York, NY, January 10, 2025: In a contentious move, Nicolás Maduro was inaugurated for what many international observers deem an illegitimate presidential term today, January 10, 2025, amid widespread allegations of election fraud. The United States and key allies continue to reject Maduro’s claim, asserting that President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia is the legitimate victor of Venezuela’s 2024 presidential election, calling for his immediate inauguration.
“The Venezuelan people and the global community are aware of the truth – Maduro unequivocally lost the 2024 presidential election and has no right to assume the presidency,” stated a Department of State representative.
Despite this rejection, Maduro proceeded with his inauguration, supported by Nicaragua’s President Daniel Ortega, in front of the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas. His oath of office for a third term was taken amid escalated protests, where thousands gathered to express their discontent.
Increased Bounty on Maduro and Key Officials
In light of Maduro’s controversial tenure, the United States has ramped up its efforts by announcing new measures, including raising the bounty for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Maduro and his close associates.
The updated rewards now include:
- $25 million for Nicolás Maduro, the disputed president of Venezuela.
- $25 million for Diosdado Cabello, Maduro’s Minister of Interior.
- $15 million for Vladimir Padrino López, Defense Minister of Venezuela.
These bounties are the result of narcotrafficking indictments made public by the U.S. in March 2020.
Visa Restrictions and Sanctions
Additionally, the Department of State has enforced visa restrictions on nearly 2,000 individuals aligned with Maduro. These individuals are accused of undermining the electoral process and perpetrating repression against the Venezuelan populace.
Concurrent with these restrictions, the U.S. Department of Treasury has imposed sanctions on eight individuals closely associated with Maduro, targeting members of Venezuela’s security forces and political figures implicated in supporting Maduro’s oppressive actions.
This latest round of sanctions follows previous U.S. measures in response to Venezuela’s controversial July 28 election, bringing the total to 187 Maduro-aligned individuals sanctioned for alleged roles in stifling democracy and opposition efforts.
Global Pressure on Maduro
The actions taken by the United States align with those of international allies, including Canada, the European Union, and the United Kingdom, who aim to project solidarity with the Venezuelan people while maintaining coordinated pressure on Maduro’s regime.
Temporary Protected Status Extended
In a humanitarian gesture, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced an 18-month extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans, acknowledging the ongoing humanitarian crisis driven by political and economic instability under Maduro.
TPS provides eligible Venezuelans in the U.S. the opportunity to stay, contingent on meeting strict safety and security guidelines. Individuals with criminal records are not eligible for TPS benefits.
A Call for Democracy
The United States reiterated its condemnation of human rights violations, political repression, and the denial of due process occurring in Venezuela under Maduro’s regime.
“We denounce Nicolás Maduro and his representatives for their violent and intimidating tactics against political adversaries and the Venezuelan populace. It is imperative that Venezuelans can express their political beliefs freely and safely,” asserted a spokesperson from the State Department.
The U.S. has also called for the unconditional release of all political prisoners detained under Maduro’s rule and urged international partners to robustly defend the democratic rights of the Venezuelan people.
As Venezuela continues to grapple with political turmoil, the U.S. maintains its commitment to support the democratic aspirations of the Venezuelan people and advocate for a peaceful transition of power to President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia.
