“It’s outrageous and unacceptable for the United States to impose sanctions on a sovereign and independent nation in violation of Venezuelan and international laws,” she said on Twitter. Among those hit with sanctions was Maikel Moreno, a Maduro ally who became president of the 32-judge court in February. The Treasury Department has in the past sanctioned Venezuelan officials or former officials, charging them with trafficking or corruption. In February, the United States blacklisted Venezuelan Vice President Tareck El Aissami for alleged links to drug trafficking. Even though they no longer sit in Congress, the court said opposition leaders had not handled their case legally.

Source: Dhaka Tribune May 19, 2017 00:56 UTC