Up to 20 Years in Prison: Venezuela's New Law Targets U.S. Oil Tanker Seizures
Venezuela passes a law with penalties up to 20 years in prison targeting oil tanker seizures, a direct response to the Trump administration's pressure campaign and recent U.S. actions.
Venezuela is drawing a legal line in the sand against U.S. pressure. The country's National Assembly on Tuesday approved a bill criminalizing the seizure of oil tankers and other acts that hinder maritime commerce, imposing penalties of up to 20 years in prison. The move is a direct response to the Donald Trump administration's intensifying pressure campaign on President Nicolás Maduro.
A Swift Legislative Counter-punch
The bill was introduced, debated, and approved in a remarkably short span of just two days by the ruling-party-controlled assembly, according to The Associated Press. While the final text wasn't published, the measure as read on the floor calls for sanctions against anyone who promotes, finances, or participates in “acts of piracy, blockades or other international illegal acts.” The bill now awaits President Maduro's signature to become law.
This legislation was triggered by recent actions from U.S. forces, which seized two tankers carrying Venezuelan oil in international waters this month. The U.S. Coast Guard seized the Panama-flagged 'Centuries' on Saturday, following the seizure of another tanker, the 'Skipper', on Dec. 10. The Trump administration argues these vessels are part of a fleet used by Venezuela to evade U.S. economic sanctions.
Diverging Views: 'Sovereignty' vs. 'Pressure'
The geopolitical standoff has drawn mixed reactions. President Trump has maintained that Maduro's days in power are numbered and has floated the idea of a "blockade" against Venezuela. Conversely, within Venezuela, some opposition figures, including Nobel Peace laureate María Corina Machado, have expressed support for U.S. policy, including the tanker seizures. The new law also aims to provide "incentives and mechanisms for economic... protections" for entities, both foreign and domestic, that continue to do business with the country despite the U.S. sanctions.
This content is AI-generated based on source articles. While we strive for accuracy, errors may occur. We recommend verifying with the original source.
Related Articles
In Minnesota's 2026 governor race, Republicans see a prime opportunity to unseat three-term hopeful Tim Walz, but Donald Trump's divisive rhetoric and a potential Mike Lindell run could complicate their path.
Four UN human rights experts have condemned the US naval blockade of Venezuela as 'illegal armed aggression,' citing over 100 deaths and violations of international law.
The US, China, and Russia have clashed at the United Nations over Washington's seizure of Venezuelan oil tankers, with Beijing accusing the US of violating international law.
Venezuela has accused the U.S. of 'extortion' at the UN Security Council after the seizure of two oil tankers. With a U.S. naval blockade in place, tensions in the Caribbean are reaching a boiling point.
In Minnesota's 2026 governor race, Republicans see a prime opportunity to unseat three-term hopeful Tim Walz, but Donald Trump's divisive rhetoric and a potential Mike Lindell run could complicate their path.
Four UN human rights experts have condemned the US naval blockade of Venezuela as 'illegal armed aggression,' citing over 100 deaths and violations of international law.
The US, China, and Russia have clashed at the United Nations over Washington's seizure of Venezuelan oil tankers, with Beijing accusing the US of violating international law.
Venezuela has accused the U.S. of 'extortion' at the UN Security Council after the seizure of two oil tankers. With a U.S. naval blockade in place, tensions in the Caribbean are reaching a boiling point.