US slaps sanctions on Venezuelan officials over post-election crackdown

A soldier guards the entrance of an open voting centre during the presidential election in Caracas, Venezuela, on July 28 [Fernando Vergara/AP Photo]

The United States has announced sanctions against 21 allies of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, citing alleged involvement in the suppression of protests following a contested July election.

Officials with the US Department of the Treasury said on Wednesday that the harsh crackdown, in which at least 25 protesters were killed, was an effort to stifle dissent. More than 2,400 protesters were arrested during the demonstrations.