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Document 02017D2074-20221112

    Consolidated text: Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074 of 13 November 2017 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Venezuela

    ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2017/2074/2022-11-12

    02017D2074 — EN — 12.11.2022 — 011.001


    This text is meant purely as a documentation tool and has no legal effect. The Union's institutions do not assume any liability for its contents. The authentic versions of the relevant acts, including their preambles, are those published in the Official Journal of the European Union and available in EUR-Lex. Those official texts are directly accessible through the links embedded in this document

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    COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2017/2074

    of 13 November 2017

    concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Venezuela

    (OJ L 295 14.11.2017, p. 60)

    Amended by:

     

     

    Official Journal

      No

    page

    date

     M1

    COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2018/90 of 22 January 2018

      L 16I

    14

    22.1.2018

     M2

    COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2018/901 of 25 June 2018

      L 160I

    12

    25.6.2018

    ►M3

    COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2018/1656 of 6 November 2018

      L 276

    10

    7.11.2018

     M4

    COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2019/1171 of 8 July 2019

      L 183

    9

    9.7.2019

     M5

    COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2019/1596 of 26 September 2019

      L 248

    74

    27.9.2019

    ►M6

    COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2019/1893 of 11 November 2019

      L 291

    42

    12.11.2019

     M7

    COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2020/898 of 29 June 2020

      L 205I

    6

    29.6.2020

    ►M8

    COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2020/1700 of 12 November 2020

      L 381

    24

    13.11.2020

    ►M9

    COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2021/276 of 22 February 2021

      L 60I

    9

    22.2.2021

    ►M10

    COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2021/1965 of 11 November 2021

      L 400

    148

    12.11.2021

    ►M11

    COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2022/2201 of 10 November 2022

      L 292

    61

    11.11.2022




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    COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2017/2074

    of 13 November 2017

    concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Venezuela



    CHAPTER I

    EXPORT RESTRICTIONS

    Article 1

    1.  
    The sale, supply, transfer or export of arms and related materiel of all types, including weapons and ammunition, military vehicles and equipment, paramilitary equipment and spare parts for the aforementioned to Venezuela by nationals of Member States or from the territories of Member States or using their flag vessels or aircraft shall be prohibited whether originating or not in their territories.
    2.  

    It shall be prohibited:

    (a) 

    to provide technical assistance, brokering services and other services related to military activities and to the provision, manufacture, maintenance and use of arms and related materiel of all types, including weapons and ammunition, military vehicles and equipment, paramilitary equipment and spare parts for the aforementioned directly or indirectly to any natural or legal person, entity or body in, or for use in, Venezuela;

    (b) 

    to provide financing or financial assistance related to military activities, including in particular grants, loans and export credit insurance, as well as insurance and reinsurance, for any sale, supply, transfer or export of arms and related materiel or for the provision of related technical assistance, brokering services and other services directly or indirectly to any person, entity or body in, or for use in, Venezuela.

    Article 2

    The prohibition in Article 1 shall not apply to the execution of contracts concluded before 13 November 2017 or to ancillary contracts necessary for the execution of such contracts, provided that they comply with Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP ( 1 ), in particular with the criteria set out in Article 2 thereof, and that the natural or legal persons, entities or bodies seeking to perform the contract have notified the contract to the competent authority of the Member State in which they are established within 5 working days of the entry into force of this Decision.

    Article 3

    1.  
    The sale, supply, transfer or export of equipment which might be used for internal repression to Venezuela by nationals of Member States or from the territories of Member States or using their flag vessels or aircraft shall be prohibited whether originating or not in their territories.
    2.  

    It shall be prohibited:

    (a) 

    to provide technical assistance, brokering services and other services related to equipment which might be used for internal repression and to the provision, manufacture, maintenance and use of such equipment directly or indirectly to any natural or legal person, entity or body in, or for use in, Venezuela;

    (b) 

    to provide financing or financial assistance related to equipment which might be used for internal repression, including in particular grants, loans and export credit insurance, as well as insurance and reinsurance, for any sale, supply, transfer or export of such equipment or for the provision of related technical assistance, brokering services and other services directly or indirectly to any person, entity or body in, or for use in, Venezuela.

    3.  
    The Union shall take the necessary measures in order to determine the relevant items to be covered by this Article.

    Article 4

    1.  

    Articles 1 and 3 shall not apply to:

    (a) 

    the sale, supply, transfer or export of non-lethal military equipment, or of equipment which might be used for internal repression, intended solely for humanitarian or protective use, or for institution-building programmes of the United Nations (UN) and the Union and its Member States or of regional and subregional organisations, or of materiel intended for crisis-management operations of the UN and the Union or of regional and subregional organisations;

    (b) 

    the sale, supply, transfer or export of demining equipment and materiel for use in demining operations;

    (c) 

    the maintenance of non-lethal equipment which might be used by the navy and coastguard of Venezuela intended solely for border protection, regional stability and the interception of narcotics;

    (d) 

    the provision of financing and financial assistance related to the equipment or materiel referred to in points (a), (b) and (c);

    (e) 

    the provision of technical assistance related to the equipment or materiel referred to in points (a), (b) and (c),

    on condition that such exports have been approved in advance by the relevant competent authority.

    2.  
    Articles 1 and 3 shall not apply to protective clothing, including flak jackets and military helmets, temporarily exported to Venezuela by UN personnel, personnel of the Union or its Member States, representatives of the media, and humanitarian and development workers and associated personnel for their personal use only.

    Article 5

    1.  
    The sale, supply, transfer or export of equipment, technology or software intended primarily for use in the monitoring or interception by, or on behalf of, the Venezuelan regime of the internet and of telephone communications on mobile or fixed networks in Venezuela, including the provision of any telecommunication or internet monitoring or interception services of any kind, as well as the provision of financial and technical assistance to install, operate or update such equipment, technology or software, by nationals of Member States or from the territories of Member States shall be prohibited.
    2.  
    By derogation from paragraph 1, Member States may authorise the sale, supply, transfer or export of the equipment, technology or software, including the provision of any telecommunication or internet monitoring or interception services of any kind, as well as the related provision of financial and technical assistance, referred to in paragraph 1 if they have reasonable grounds to determine that the equipment, technology or software would not be used for internal repression by Venezuela's government, public bodies, corporations or agencies, or any person or entity acting on their behalf or at their direction.

    The Member State concerned shall inform the other Member States and the Commission of any authorisation granted under this paragraph, within four weeks of the authorisation.

    3.  
    The Union shall take the necessary measures in order to determine the relevant elements to be covered by this Article.

    CHAPTER II

    RESTRICTIONS ON ADMISSION

    Article 6

    1.  

    Member States shall take the necessary measures to prevent the entry into, or transit through, their territories of:

    (a) 

    natural persons responsible for serious human rights violations or abuses or the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Venezuela; or

    (b) 

    natural persons whose actions, policies or activities otherwise undermine democracy or the rule of law in Venezuela;

    as listed in Annex I.

    2.  
    Paragraph 1 shall not oblige a Member State to refuse its own nationals entry into its territory.
    3.  

    Paragraph 1 shall be without prejudice to the cases where a Member State is bound by an obligation of international law, namely:

    (a) 

    as a host country to an international intergovernmental organisation;

    (b) 

    as a host country to an international conference convened by, or under the auspices of, the UN;

    (c) 

    under a multilateral agreement conferring privileges and immunities; or

    (d) 

    under the 1929 Treaty of Conciliation (Lateran Pact) concluded by the Holy See (State of the Vatican City) and Italy.

    4.  
    Paragraph 3 shall be considered as also applying in cases where a Member State is host country of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
    5.  
    The Council shall be duly informed in all cases where a Member State grants an exemption pursuant to paragraph 3 or 4.
    6.  
    Member States may grant exemptions from the measures imposed in paragraph 1 where travel is justified on the grounds of urgent humanitarian need, or on grounds of attending intergovernmental meetings and meetings promoted by the Union, or hosted by a Member State holding the chairmanship in office of the OSCE, where a political dialogue is conducted that directly promotes democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Venezuela.
    7.  
    A Member State wishing to grant exemptions referred to in paragraph 6 shall notify the Council in writing. The exemption shall be deemed to be granted unless one or more of the Council members raise an objection in writing within two working days of receiving notification of the proposed exemption. In the event that one or more of the Council members raise an objection, the Council, acting by a qualified majority, may decide to grant the proposed exemption.
    8.  
    Where, pursuant to paragraphs 3, 4, 6 and 7, a Member State authorises the entry into, or transit through, its territory of persons listed in Annex I, the authorisation shall be limited to the purpose for which it is given and to the persons concerned thereby.

    CHAPTER III

    FREEZING OF FUNDS AND ECONOMIC RESOURCES

    Article 7

    1.  

    All funds and economic resources belonging to or owned, held or controlled by:

    (a) 

    natural or legal persons, entities or bodies responsible for serious human rights violations or abuses or the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Venezuela;

    (b) 

    natural or legal persons, entities or bodies whose actions, policies or activities otherwise undermine democracy or the rule of law in Venezuela,

    as listed in Annex I, shall be frozen.

    2.  
    All funds and economic resources belonging to or owned, held or controlled by natural or legal persons, entities and bodies associated with the persons entities or bodies referred to in paragraph 1, as listed in Annex II, shall be frozen.
    3.  
    No funds or economic resources shall be made available, directly or indirectly, to or for the benefit of natural or legal persons, entities or bodies listed in Annex I or II.
    4.  

    The competent authority of a Member State may authorise the release of certain frozen funds or economic resources, or the making available of certain funds or economic resources, under such conditions as it deems appropriate, after having determined that the funds or economic resources concerned are:

    (a) 

    necessary to satisfy the basic needs of the natural or legal persons, entities or bodies listed in Annex I or II and dependent family members of such natural persons, including payments for foodstuffs, rent or mortgage, medicines and medical treatment, taxes, insurance premiums and public utility charges;

    (b) 

    intended exclusively for the payment of reasonable professional fees and the reimbursement of incurred expenses associated with the provision of legal services;

    (c) 

    intended exclusively for the payment of fees or service charges for the routine holding or maintenance of frozen funds or economic resources;

    (d) 

    necessary for extraordinary expenses, provided that the relevant competent authority has notified the competent authorities of the other Member States and the Commission of the grounds on which it considers that a specific authorisation should be granted, at least two weeks prior to the authorisation; or

    (e) 

    to be paid into or from an account of a diplomatic or consular mission or an international organisation enjoying immunities in accordance with international law, insofar as such payments are intended to be used for official purposes of the diplomatic or consular mission or international organisation.

    The Member State concerned shall inform the other Member States and the Commission of any authorisation granted under this paragraph.

    5.  

    By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 2, the competent authorities of a Member State may authorise the release of certain frozen funds or economic resources if the following conditions are met:

    (a) 

    the funds or economic resources are the subject of an arbitral decision rendered prior to the date on which the natural or legal person, entity or body referred to in paragraph 1 or 2 was listed in Annex I or II, or of a judicial or administrative decision rendered in the Union, or a judicial decision enforceable in the Member State concerned, prior to or after that date;

    (b) 

    the funds or economic resources will be used exclusively to satisfy claims secured by such a decision or recognised as valid in such a decision, within the limits set by applicable laws and regulations governing the rights of persons having such claims;

    (c) 

    the decision is not for the benefit of a natural or legal person, entity or body listed in Annex I or II; and

    (d) 

    recognising the decision is not contrary to public policy in the Member State concerned.

    The Member State concerned shall inform the other Member States and the Commission of any authorisation granted under this paragraph.

    6.  
    Paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not prevent a natural or legal person, entity or body listed in Annex I or II from making a payment due under a contract or agreement that was concluded by, or an obligation that arose for, a natural or legal person, an entity or body listed in Annex I or II prior to the date on which such natural or legal person, entity or body was listed therein, provided that the Member State concerned has determined that the payment is not in breach of paragraph 3.
    7.  

    Paragraph 3 shall not apply to the addition to frozen accounts of:

    (a) 

    interest or other earnings on those accounts;

    (b) 

    payments due under contracts, agreements or obligations that were concluded or arose prior to the date on which those accounts became subject to the measures provided for in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3; or

    (c) 

    payments due under judicial, administrative or arbitral decisions rendered in the Union or enforceable in the Member State concerned,

    provided that any such interest, other earnings and payments remain subject to the measures provided for in paragraph 1 or 2.

    CHAPTER IV

    GENERAL AND FINAL PROVISIONS

    Article 8

    1.  
    The Council, acting by unanimity upon a proposal by a Member State or the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, shall establish and amend the lists in Annexes I and II.
    2.  
    The Council shall communicate the decision referred to in paragraph 1, including the grounds for the listing, to the natural or legal person, entity or body concerned, either directly, if the address is known, or through the publication of a notice, providing such person, entity or body with an opportunity to present observations.
    3.  
    Where observations are submitted, or where substantial new evidence is presented, the Council shall review the decision referred to in paragraph 1 and inform the natural or legal person, entity or body concerned accordingly.

    Article 9

    1.  
    Annexes I and II shall include the grounds for listing the natural and legal persons, entities and bodies referred to in Articles 6(1) and 7(1), and Article 7(2), respectively.
    2.  
    Annexes I and II shall also contain, where available, the information necessary to identify the natural or legal persons, entities or bodies concerned. With regard to natural persons, such information may include: names, including aliases; date and place of birth; nationality; passport and identity card numbers; gender; address, if known; and function or profession. With regard to legal persons, entities or bodies, such information may include names, place and date of registration, registration number and place of business.

    ▼M6

    Article 9a

    1.  

    The Council and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (the ‘High Representative’) may process personal data in order to carry out their tasks under this Decision, in particular:

    (a) 

    as regards the Council, for preparing and making amendments to Annexes I and II;

    (b) 

    as regards the High Representative, for preparing amendments to Annexes I and II.

    2.  
    The Council and the High Representative may process, where applicable, relevant data relating to criminal offences committed by listed natural persons, to criminal convictions of such persons or to security measures concerning such persons, only to the extent that such processing is necessary for the preparation of Annexes I and II.
    3.  
    For the purposes of this Decision, the Council and the High Representative are designated as ‘controllers’ within the meaning of point (8) of Article 3 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council ( 2 ), in order to ensure that the natural persons concerned can exercise their rights under Regulation (EU) 2018/1725.

    ▼B

    Article 10

    It shall be prohibited to participate, knowingly and intentionally, in activities the object or effect of which is to circumvent the measures laid down in this Decision.

    Article 11

    No claims in connection with any contract or transaction the performance of which has been affected, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, by the measures imposed under this Decision, including claims for indemnity or any other claim of this type, such as a claim for compensation or a claim under a guarantee, in particular a claim for extension or payment of a bond, guarantee or indemnity, in particular a financial guarantee or financial indemnity, of whatever form, shall be satisfied, if they are made by:

    (a) 

    designated natural or legal persons, entities or bodies listed in Annex I or II;

    (b) 

    any natural or legal person, entity or body acting through or on behalf of one of the persons, entities or bodies referred to in point (a).

    Article 12

    In order to maximise the impact of the measures set out in this Decision, the Union shall encourage third States to adopt restrictive measures similar to those provided for in this Decision.

    ▼M3

    Article 13

    ▼M11

    This Decision shall apply until 14 November 2023.

    ▼M3

    This Decision shall be kept under constant review. It shall be renewed, or amended as appropriate, if the Council deems that its objectives have not been met.

    ▼B

    Article 14

    This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

    ▼M8




    ANNEX I

    List of natural and legal persons, entities and bodies referred to in Articles 6(1) and 7(1)



     

    Name

    Identifying information

    Reasons

    Date of listing

    ▼M10

    1.

    Néstor Luis REVEROL TORRES

    Date of birth: 28 October 1964

    Gender: male

    Minister for Electrical Energy since October 2020, Vice-President of Public Works and Services and Executive Secretary of the Electrical General Staff since April 2019. Minister for Interior, Justice and Peace from 2016 until October 2020. General in Chief of the Bolivarian National Guard since August 2020. Responsible for serious human rights violations, including the torture of (political) prisoners, and the repression of the democratic opposition in Venezuela, including the prohibition and repression of political demonstrations, committed by security forces under his command.

    22.1.2018

    ▼M8

    2.

    Gustavo Enrique GONZÁLEZ LÓPEZ

    Date of birth: 2 November 1960

    Gender: male

    Reappointed as Head of the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN) on 30 April 2019. Formerly Security and Intelligence Adviser for the President’s office from 8 January 2019 to 30 April 2019 and Head of SEBIN until October 2018. As Head of SEBIN, responsible for serious human rights violations (including arbitrary detention, inhuman and degrading treatment, and torture) and the repression of civil society and the democratic opposition in Venezuela.

    22.1.2018

    ▼M11

    3.

    Tibisay LUCENA RAMÍREZ

    Date of birth: 26 April 1959

    Gender: female

    Minister of University Education since October 2021. President of the National Electoral Council (Consejo Nacional Electoral or CNE) from April 2006 until June 2020. Her actions and policies have undermined democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela, including by failing to ensure that the CNE remains an impartial and independent institution in accordance with the Venezuelan Constitution, thereby facilitating the establishment of the Constituent Assembly and the re-election of Nicolás Maduro in May 2018 through presidential elections that were neither free nor fair.

    22.1.2018

    ▼M10

    4.

    Antonio José BENAVIDES TORRES

    Date of birth: 13 June 1961

    Gender: male

    Member of the non-democratically elected National Assembly. Chief of the Capital District (Distrito Capital) Government until January 2018. General Commander of the Bolivarian National Guard until 21 June 2017. Involved in the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Venezuela, and responsible for serious human rights violations committed by the Bolivarian National Guard under his command. His actions and policies as General Commander of the Bolivarian National Guard, including the Bolivarian National Guard taking the lead in the policing of civilian demonstrations and publicly advocating that military courts should have jurisdiction over civilians, have undermined the rule of law in Venezuela.

    22.1.2018

    ▼M11

    5.

    Maikel José MORENO PÉREZ

    Date of birth: 12 December 1965

    Gender: male

    Judge of the Criminal Appeal Chamber of the Supreme Court of Venezuela (Tribunal Supremo de Justicia (TSJ)). Former President and Vice President of the Supreme Court. In those roles, he has supported and facilitated the Government’s actions and policies which have undermined democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela, and is responsible for actions and statements that have usurped the authority of the National Assembly, including the appointment of the National Electoral Council (CNE) in June 2020 and the suspension and replacement of the leadership of three opposition parties in June and July 2020.

    22.1.2018

    ▼M8

    6.

    Tarek William SAAB HALABI

    Date of birth: 10 September 1963

    Place of birth: El Tigre, Anzoátegui state, Venezuela

    Gender: male

    Venezuelan Attorney General appointed by the Constituent Assembly. In this role, and in previous roles as Ombudsman and President of the Republican Moral Council, he has undermined democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela by publicly supporting actions against opponents of the government of Venezuela and the withdrawal of competences from the National Assembly.

    22.1.2018

    ▼M10

    7.

    Diosdado CABELLO RONDÓN

    Date of birth: 15 April 1963

    Gender: male

    Member of the non-democratically elected National Assembly, former President of the Constituent Assembly and First Vice-President of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV). Involved in undermining democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela, including by using the media to publicly attack and threaten political opposition, other media and civil society.

    22.1.2018

    ▼M8

    8.

    Tareck Zaidan EL-AISSAMI MADDAH

    Date of birth: 12 November 1974

    Gender: male

    Vice President of Economy and Minister of the Popular Power of Petroleum as well as National Industry and Production. As the former Vice President of Venezuela with oversight of the direction of the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN), El-Aissami is responsible for the serious human rights violations carried out by the organisation, including arbitrary detentions, politically motivated investigations, inhumane and degrading treatment, and torture. He is also responsible for supporting and implementing policies and activities which undermine democracy and the rule of law, including the prohibition of public demonstrations, and heading President Maduro’s ‘anti-coup command’ which has targeted civil society and the democratic opposition.

    25.6.2018

    9.

    Sergio José RIVERO MARCANO

    Date of birth: 8 November 1964

    Gender: male

    Inspector General of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB), General Commander of the Bolivarian National Guard until 16 January 2018. Involved in the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Venezuela, and responsible for serious human rights violations committed by the Bolivarian National Guard under his command, including the excessive use of force, and the arbitrary detention and abuse of civil society and opposition members. His actions and policies as General Commander of the Bolivarian National Guard, including the Bolivarian National Guard assaulting members of the democratically elected National Assembly and intimidating journalists reporting on the fraudulent elections for the illegitimate Constituent Assembly, have undermined democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela.

    25.6.2018

    ▼M10

    10.

    Jesús Rafael SUÁREZ CHOURIO

    Date of birth: 19 July 1962

    Gender: male

    President of the Defence and Security Committee of the non-democratically elected National Assembly since January 2021. Former Chief of the General Staff of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces (between July 2019 and September 2020). Former Commander in Chief of the Venezuelan Bolivarian National Army (until July 2019). Former General Commander of the Venezuelan Bolivarian National Army and former Commander of Venezuela’s Comprehensive Defence Region of the Central Zone (REDI Central). Responsible for serious human rights violations by forces under his command during his tenure as General Commander of the Venezuelan Bolivarian National Army, including the use of excessive force and the mistreatment of detainees. He has targeted the democratic opposition and supported the use of military courts to try civilian protestors.

    25.6.2018

    ▼M8

    11.

    Iván HERNÁNDEZ DALA

    Date of birth: 18 May 1966

    Gender: male

    Head of the Directorate-General of Military Counter-Intelligence (DGCIM) since January 2014 and Head of the Presidential Guard since September 2015. As Head of the DGCIM, Iván Hernández Dala is responsible for serious human rights violations and the repression of civil society and democratic opposition committed by members of the DGCIM under his command, including the use of excessive force and the ill-treatment of detainees.

    25.6.2018

    ▼M10

    12.

    Delcy Eloina RODRÍGUEZ GÓMEZ

    Date of birth: 18 May 1969

    Gender: female

    Vice-President of Venezuela, Minister of the Economy, Finances and Trade. Former President of the illegitimate Constituent Assembly and former member of the Presidential Commission for the illegitimate National Constituent Assembly. Her actions in the Presidential Commission and then as President of the illegitimate Constituent Assembly have undermined democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela, including usurping the powers of the National Assembly and using them to target the opposition and to prevent them from taking part in the political process.

    25.6.2018

    ▼M8

    13.

    Elías José JAUA MILANO

    Date of birth: 16 December 1969

    Gender: male

    Former Minister of Popular Power for Education. Former President of the Presidential Commission for the illegitimate National Constituent Assembly. Responsible for undermining democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela through his role in leading the establishment of the illegitimate Constituent Assembly.

    25.6.2018

    14.

    Sandra OBLITAS RUZZA

    Date of birth: 7 June 1969

    Gender: female

    Rector of the Universidad Bolivariana de Venezuela. Former Vice President of the National Electoral Council (CNE) and former President of the Commission of the Electoral and Civilian Register. Responsible for the CNE’s activities which have undermined democracy in Venezuela, including facilitating the establishment of the illegitimate Constituent Assembly and manipulation of the electoral process.

    25.6.2018

    ▼M11

    15.

    Freddy Alirio BERNAL ROSALES

    Date of birth: 16 June 1962

    Place of birth: San Cristóbal, Táchira State, Venezuela

    Gender: male

    Governor of Táchira State since winning the elections in November 2021. Former Head of the National Control Centre of the Committee for Local Supply and Production (CLAP) and former Protector of Táchira State. Also a Commissioner General of the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN). As Head of the CLAP and Protector of Táchira State he was able to call upon Special Forces (FAES) and to influence appointments of judges and prosecutors. Responsible for undermining democracy through manipulation of CLAP programme distributions amongst voters. Additionally, as Commissioner General of SEBIN he is responsible for SEBIN’s activities which include serious human rights violations such as arbitrary detention.

    25.6.2018

    ▼M8

    16.

    Katherine Nayarith HARRINGTON PADRÓN

    Date of birth: 5 December 1971

    Gender: female

    Deputy Prosecutor General (also translated as Deputy Attorney General) from July 2017 until October 2018. Appointed Deputy Prosecutor General by the Supreme Court in violation of the Constitution, rather than by the National Assembly. Responsible for undermining democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela, including by initiating politically-motivated prosecutions and failing to investigate allegations of human rights violations by the Maduro regime.

    25.6.2018

    17.

    Socorro Elizabeth HERNÁNDEZ

    Date of birth: 11 March 1952

    Gender: female

    Member (Rector) of the National Electoral Council (CNE) until 12 June 2020 and member of the National Electoral Board (JNE). Responsible for the CNE’s activities which have undermined democracy in Venezuela, including facilitating the establishment of the illegitimate Constituent Assembly and manipulation of the electoral process in relation to a cancelled presidential recall election in 2016, postponement of gubernatorial elections in 2016, and the relocation of polling stations at short notice before gubernatorial elections in 2017.

    25.6.2018

    ▼M10

    18.

    Xavier Antonio MORENO REYES

    Gender: male

    Secretary-General of the National Electoral Council (CNE) from 2009 until June 2020. In that role, Moreno Reyes facilitated, legitimised and gave credibility to CNE decisions, since the Secretary-General of the CNE has a role in agenda-setting and formalising decisions. Moreno Reyes remained Secretary-General of CNE while democracy was severely undermined and the independent role of the CNE within the electoral process was compromised. He is therefore responsible for undermining democracy in Venezuela, including facilitating the establishment of the illegitimate Constituent Assembly and the manipulation of the electoral process.

    25.6.2018

    ▼M8

    19.

    Néstor Neptali BLANCO HURTADO

    Date of birth: 26 September 1982

    ID number: V‐15222057

    Gender: male

    Major in the Bolivarian National Guard (GNB), operated alongside officials in the Directorate‐General of Military Counter‐Intelligence (Dirección General de Contrainteligencia Militar (DGCIM)) since at least December 2017. Responsible for serious human rights violations, including torture, the use of excessive force and the mistreatment of detainees in DGCIM facilities.

    27.9.2019

    ▼M10

    20.

    Rafael Ramón BLANCO MARRERO

    Date of birth: 28 February 1968

    ID number: V-6250588

    Gender: male

    Division General of the Venezuelan Bolivarian National Army since 5 July 2019. Former deputy Director of the Directorate-General of Military Counter-Intelligence (Dirección General de Contrainteligencia Militar (DGCIM)). Responsible for serious human rights violations, including torture, the use of excessive force and the mistreatment of detainees in DGCIM facilities, that were committed by DGCIM officials under his command. Linked to the death of Captain Acosta.

    27.9.2019

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    21.

    Carlos Alberto CALDERÓN CHIRINOS

    ID number: V‐10352300

    Gender: male

    Senior office holder (referred to as Commissioner, Director and Director-General) in the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN). Responsible for serious human rights violations, including torture, the use of excessive force and the mistreatment of detainees in SEBIN facilities. In particular, he participated in and was responsible for acts of torture and the cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of detainees in El Helicoide, a SEBIN prison.

    27.9.2019

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    22.

    Alexis Enrique ESCALONA MARRERO

    Date of birth: 12 October 1962

    Gender: male

    Chief in Charge of the National Office Against Organized Crime and Terrorist Financing (ONDOFT) from January 2018 until May 2019. Retired Major General, former Vice Minister for prevention and public safety at the Ministry of the Interior (appointed in 2017 by President Maduro) and former National Commander of the National Anti-Extortion and Kidnapping Command (Comando Nacional Antiextorsión y Secuestro (CONAS)) (between 2014 and 2017). Responsible for serious human rights violations, including torture, the use of excessive force and the mistreatment of detainees by members of CONAS under his command. Also responsible for the repression of civil society by members of CONAS under his command.

    27.9.2019

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    23.

    Rafael Antonio FRANCO QUINTERO

    Date of birth: 14 October 1973

    ID number: V-11311672

    Gender: male

    Agent in the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN). Head of Security at Maiquetía International Airport. Head of Investigations at the Directorate-General of Military Counter-Intelligence (Dirección General de Contrainteligencia Militar (DGCIM)) between at least 2017 and December 2018. Responsible for serious human rights violations, including torture, the use of excessive force and the ill-treatment of detainees in DGCIM facilities by members of the DGCIM under his command. Also responsible for the repression of civil society and democratic opposition by members of the DGCIM under his command. Linked to the death of Captain Acosta.

    27.9.2019

    24.

    Alexander Enrique GRANKO ARTEAGA

    Date of birth: 25 March 1981

    ID Number: V-14970215

    Gender: male

    Head (Director) of the Special Affairs Division (DAE) of the Directorate-General of Military Counter-Intelligence (Dirección General de Contrainteligencia Militar (DGCIM)). Promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel of the Bolivarian National Guard on 1 July 2020. Responsible for serious human rights violations, including torture, the use of excessive force causing death and injury and the ill-treatment of detainees in DGCIM facilities committed by himself and by officials under his command. Also responsible for the repression of civil society by members of DGCIM under his command, as well as being directly involved in such repression. Linked to the death of Captain Acosta.

    27.9.2019

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    25.

    Hannover Esteban GUERRERO MIJARES

    Date of birth: 14 January 1971

    Gender: male

    Second Commander and Chief of Staff of the 35th Military Police Brigade since August 2020. Head of Investigations at the Directorate-General of Military Counter-Intelligence (Dirección General de Contrainteligencia Militar (DGCIM)) from at least April 2019 to August 2019. As Head of Investigations, he supervised the DGCIM facility in Boleita. Responsible for serious human rights violations, including torture, the use of excessive force and the ill-treatment of detainees committed by himself and by officials under his command, particularly in Boleita. Linked to the death of Captain Acosta.

    27.9.2019

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    26.

    José Adelino ORNELAS FERREIRA

    Alias: José Adelino ORNELLA FERREIRA/José Adelino ORNELLAS FERREIRA

    Date of birth: 14 December 1964

    Place of birth: Caracas, Distrito Capital, Venezuela

    ID number: V-7087964

    Gender: male

    Secretary-General of the National Defence Council since 26 July 2019 and Chief of the General Staff to the Commander‐in‐Chief since September 2020. Former commander of the National Capital Integral Strategic Defence Region (REDI Capital), former Chief of Staff and former Second-in-Command of the Operational and Strategic Command of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces of Venezuela (CEOFANB). In these roles he has supported and facilitated actions and policies of the Government of Venezuela which have undermined democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela. Responsible for serious human rights violations and the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Venezuela, including obstructing the provision of humanitarian aid and the use of excessive force by officials of the Bolivarian Armed Forces (FANB), and by subordinate forces under his command, including the Integral Strategic Defence Region (REDI), the Integral Defence Operations Zone (ZODI) and the Bolivarian National Guard.

    29.6.2020

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    27.

    Gladys DEL VALLE REQUENA

    Date of birth: 9 November 1952

    Place of birth: Puerto Santo, Sucre, Venezuela

    ID number: V-4114842

    Gender: female

    Inspector General of the Courts since 27 April 2022. Former member of the non-democratically elected National Assembly and former member and the Second Vice-President of the non-recognised National Constituent Assembly (ANC). In her leading role in the non-recognised ANC, she has undermined democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela, including by signing the decree that stripped the president of the National Assembly of Venezuela, Juan Guaidó, of his parliamentary immunity.

    29.6.2020

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    28.

    Tania Valentina DÍAZ GONZÁLEZ

    Date of birth: 18 June 1963

    Place of birth: Caracas, Distrito Capital, Venezuela

    ID number: V-6432672

    Gender: female

    Member of the non-democratically elected National Assembly and former First Vice-President of the non-recognised National Constituent Assembly (ANC). In her leading role in the non-recognised ANC she has undermined democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela, including by signing the decree that stripped the president of the National Assembly of Venezuela, Juan Guaidó, of his parliamentary immunity.

    29.6.2020

    29.

    Elvis Eduardo HIDROBO AMOROSO

    Date of birth: 4 August 1963

    Place of birth: Caracas, Distrito Capital, Venezuela

    ID number: V-7659695

    Gender: male

    Comptroller General, since 23 October 2018, and former First and Second Vice-President of the non-recognised National Constituent Assembly (ANC). His actions have undermined democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela, including by banning opposition members from holding public office for 15 years and leading the non-recognised ANC, signing the ‘law against hatred’, justifying the removal of a legally-elected opposition governor and banning Juan Guaidó from running for any public office.

    29.6.2020

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    30.

    Juan José MENDOZA JOVER

    Date of birth: 11 March 1969

    Place of birth: Trujillo, Venezuela

    Address: Arnoldo Gabaldón, Candelaria, Edo. Trujillo

    ID number: V-9499372

    Gender: male

    Former Second Vice-President of the Venezuelan Supreme Court (Tribunal Supremo de Justicia (TSJ)) and former President of the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court (February 2017 – April 2022). His actions have undermined democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela, including by a number of judicial rulings in the past two years that have limited or undermined the constitutional powers of Venezuela’s democratically-elected legislative body, the National Assembly.

    29.6.2020

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    31.

    Jorge Elieser MÁRQUEZ MONSALVE

    Date of birth: 20 February 1971

    Place of birth: Caracas, Venezuela

    ID number: V-8714253

    Gender: male

    Director-General of the National Commission of Telecommunications (CONATEL) since 7 August 2017. His actions have undermined democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela, including by severely limiting the rights of the Venezuelan people to free press, free speech and information. He used the special powers of CONATEL to silence criticism and dissidents of the regime by blocking, filtering and obstructing internet websites and by revoking existing licences for radio and television stations and refusing to grant new such licences.

    29.6.2020

    32.

    Farik Karin MORA SALCEDO

    ID number: V-8608523

    Gender: male

    Prosecutor serving at the Venezuelan First Special Court of First Instance with an office within the Directorate-General of Military Counter-Intelligence (Dirección General de Contrainteligencia Militar (DGCIM)). His actions have undermined democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela, including by initiating politically motivated prosecutions which resulted in the arbitrary detention of members of the National Assembly and other officials opposing the Maduro regime.

    29.6.2020

    33.

    Dinorah Yoselin BUSTAMANTE PUERTA

    Date of birth: 14 January 1975

    ID number: V-10002096

    Gender: female

    Prosecutor serving at the Venezuelan First Special Court of First Instance, with an office within the Directorate-General of Military Counter-Intelligence (Dirección General de Contrainteligencia Militar (DGCIM)). Her actions have undermined democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela, including by initiating politically motivated prosecutions which resulted in the arbitrary detention of members of the National Assembly and other officials opposing the Maduro regime.

    29.6.2020

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    34.

    Luis Eduardo PARRA RIVERO

    Date of birth: 7 July 1978

    ID number: V-14211633

    Gender: male

    Member of the non-democratically elected National Assembly. As a member of the National Assembly elected in 2015, he staged his election as President of the National Assembly on 5 January 2020, thereby undermining democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela. The election took place while entry of several parliamentarians to the premises of the National Assembly was blocked by military police, and without a quorum being reached. Therefore, opposition members had to organise themselves outside of the premises of the National Assembly to re-elect Juan Guaidó as its President. Shortly after the staged election of Parra Rivero, supported by the regime’s political party (PSUV), Parra Rivero was welcomed by Maduro and the non-recognised National Constituent Assembly (ANC).

    29.6.2020

    35.

    Franklyn Leonardo DUARTE

    Date of birth: 15 May 1977

    ID number: V-3304045

    Gender: male

    Member of the non-democratically elected National Assembly. Former member and illegitimately elected first Vice-President of the National Assembly elected in 2015. As a member of the National Assembly elected in 2015, he staged his election as the first Vice-President of the National Assembly on 5 January 2020, thereby undermining democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela. The election took place while entry of several parliamentarians to the premises of the National Assembly was blocked by military police, and without a quorum being reached. Therefore, opposition members had to organise themselves outside of the premises of the National Assembly to re-elect Juan Guaidó as its President. Shortly after the staged election of Duarte, supported by the regime’s political party (PSUV), the election of the Board of Directors of the National Assembly was welcomed by Maduro and the non-recognised National Constituent Assembly (ANC).

    29.6.2020

    36.

    José Gregorio NORIEGA FIGUEROA

    Date of birth: 21 February 1969

    ID number: V-8348784

    Gender: male

    Member of the non-democratically elected National Assembly. Former member and illegitimately elected second Vice-President of the National Assembly elected in 2015. Illegitimately appointed director of the ad-hoc board of the political party Voluntad Popular. As a member of the National Assembly elected in 2015, he staged his election as the second Vice-President of the National Assembly on 5 January 2020, thereby undermining democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela. The election took place while entry of several parliamentarians to the premises of the National Assembly was blocked by military police, and without a quorum being reached. Therefore, opposition members had to organise themselves outside of the premises of the National Assembly to re-elect Juan Guaidó as its President. Shortly after the staged election of Noriega, supported by the regime’s political party (PSUV), the election of the Board of Directors of the National Assembly was welcomed by Maduro and the non-recognised National Constituent Assembly (ANC). In July 2020, Noriega, helped by the Venezuelan Supreme Court of Justice (Tribunal Supremo de Justicia (TSJ)), illegitimately took over the leadership of the political party Voluntad Popular, thereby further undermining democracy in Venezuela.

    29.6.2020

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    37.

    Remigio CEBALLOS ICHASO

    Date of birth: 1 May 1963

    ID-number: V-6557495

    Gender: male

    Since August 2021, Minister of the Interior and Justice of Venezuela and Vice-President of the Government for Citizen Security. Former Commander of the Operational and Strategic Command of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces of Venezuela (Comando Estratégico Operacional Fuerzas Armadas Nacionales Bolivarianas (CEOFANB)), the highest organ in the Venezuelan Armed Forces (June 2017–July 2021). CEOFANB controls the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) and the Bolivarian National Guard. CEOFANB is also responsible for coordinating FANB interventions in demonstrations. In his position as Commander of CEOFANB, he was responsible for serious human rights violations, including the use of excessive force and inhuman and degrading treatment by officials of the FANB and by subordinate forces under his command, including the Bolivarian National Guard. Various sources, including the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, attribute human rights violations to FANB and the Bolivarian National Guard.

    22.2.2021

    38.

    Omar José PRIETO FERNÁNDEZ

    Date of birth: 25 May 1969

    ID number: V-9761075

    Gender: male

    Former Governor of Zulia State (2017 - 2021). In this position he has undermined democracy and the rule of law in Zulia State. He was sworn in by the non-recognised National Constituent Assembly (ANC), after the legitimate winner of the election refused to be sworn in by the ANC. Omar José Prieto Fernández actively promoted the non-democratic elections for the National Assembly which took place on 6 December 2020. Moreover, in Zulia State he threatened opposition leaders with ‘house visits’ and stated to declare Zulia State independent should an interim government lead by Juan Guaidó assume power.

    22.2.2021

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    39.

    José Dionisio BRITO RODRÍGUEZ

    Date of birth: 15 January 1971

    ID-number: V-8263861

    Gender: male

    Member of the non-democratically elected National Assembly and chair of the parliamentary commission that investigates the ‘actions perpetrated against the Republic’ by members of the National Assembly elected in 2015. Furthermore, José Dionisio Brito Rodríguez illegitimately assumed leadership over opposition party Primero Justicia, due to a decision of the Supreme Court in June 2020. In 2019, he was expelled from Primero Justicia over corruption allegations. Moreover, as a member of the National Assembly, he participated in the illegitimate election of Luis Eduardo Parra Rivero as the President of the National Assembly on 5 January 2020, thereby undermining democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela. The election took place while entry of several parliamentarians to the premises of the National Assembly was blocked by military police, and without a quorum being reached. Therefore opposition members had to organise themselves outside of the premises of the National Assembly to re-elect Juan Guaidó as its President. His actions have therefore undermined democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela.

    22.2.2021

    40.

    José Bernabé GUTIÉRREZ PARRA

    Date of birth: 21 December 1952

    ID-number: V-1565144

    Gender: male

    Member of the non-democratically elected National Assembly and illegitimate leader of opposition party Acción Democrática. José Bernabé Gutiérrez Parra gained illegitimate control over opposition party Acción Democrática in June 2020 via a ruling of the Supreme Court. In contravention of the party’s position prior to his take over, Gutiérrez Parra participated with Acción Democrática in the non-democratic elections of the National Assembly which took place on 6 December 2020. Gutiérrez Parra changed the position of the party, used its symbols and participated in the elections and public events such as televised debates. Gutiérrez Parra was expelled from the party by legitimate Acción Democrática members who called his actions conspiracy and betrayal. His actions have therefore undermined democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela.

    22.2.2021

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    41.

    Luis Fernando DAMIANI BUSTILLOS

    Date of birth: 27 April 1946

    Gender: male

    Judge of the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court (Tribunal Supremo de Justicia (TSJ)). As a member of the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court, he is responsible for actions, statements and rulings that have usurped the constitutional powers of the National Assembly and undermined the opposition’s electoral rights including the unilateral appointment by the Supreme Court of the National Electoral Council (Consejo Nacional Electoral (CNE)) in June 2020 and the suspension and unilateral replacement of the leadership of three of the main democratic opposition parties in June and July 2020, as well as the extension of the ruling on Acción Democrática for one more year in May 2021. His actions have therefore undermined democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela, and he has supported and facilitated the undermining of democracy and the rule of law by the executive branch.

    22.2.2021

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    42.

    Lourdes Benicia SUÁREZ ANDERSON

    Date of birth: 7 March 1965

    Gender: female

    Judge of the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court (Tribunal Supremo de Justicia (TSJ)) since December 2005 and Vice President of the Constitutional Chamber since April 2022. Former President of the Constitutional Chamber and former first Vice-President of the Supreme Court. As a member of the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court, she is responsible for actions, statements and rulings that have usurped the constitutional powers of the National Assembly and undermined the opposition’s electoral rights including the unilateral appointment by the Supreme Court of the National Electoral Council (Consejo Nacional Electoral (CNE)) in June 2020 and the suspension and unilateral replacement of the leadership of three of the main democratic opposition parties in June and July 2020, as well as the extension of the ruling on Acción Democrática for one more year in May 2021. Her actions have therefore undermined democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela, and she has supported and facilitated the undermining of democracy and the rule of law by the executive branch.

    22.2.2021

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    43.

    Calixto Antonio ORTEGA RÍOS

    Date of birth: 12 October 1950

    Gender: male

    Judge of the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court (Tribunal Supremo de Justicia (TSJ)). As a member of the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court, he is responsible for actions, statements and rulings that have usurped the constitutional powers of the National Assembly and undermined the opposition’s electoral rights including the unilateral appointment by the Supreme Court of the National Electoral Council (Consejo Nacional Electoral (CNE)) in June 2020 and the suspension and unilateral replacement of the leadership of three of the main democratic opposition parties in June and July 2020, as well as the extension of the ruling on Acción Democrática for one more year in May 2021. His actions have therefore undermined democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela, and he has supported and facilitated the undermining of democracy and the rule of law by the executive branch.

    22.2.2021

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    44.

    René Alberto DEGRAVES ALMARZA

    Gender: male

    Substitute judge of the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court (Tribunal Supremo de Justicia (TSJ)) since April 2022. Former judge of the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court. As a member of the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court, he has been responsible for actions, statements and rulings that have usurped the constitutional powers of the National Assembly and undermined the opposition’s electoral rights including the unilateral appointment by the Supreme Court of the National Electoral Council (Consejo Nacional Electoral (CNE)) in June 2020 and the suspension and unilateral replacement of the leadership of three of the main democratic opposition parties in June and July 2020, as well as the extension of the ruling on Acción Democrática for one more year in May 2021. His actions have therefore undermined democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela, and he has supported and facilitated the undermining of democracy and the rule of law by the executive branch.

    22.2.2021

    45.

    Arcadio DELGADO ROSALES

    Date of birth: 23 September 1954

    Gender: male

    Former judge and Vice-President of the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court (Tribunal Supremo de Justicia (TSJ)). As a member of the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court, he has been responsible for actions, statements and rulings that have usurped the constitutional powers of the National Assembly and undermined the opposition’s electoral rights, including the unilateral appointment by the Supreme Court of the National Electoral Council (Consejo Nacional Electoral (CNE)) in June 2020 and the suspension and unilateral replacement of the leadership of three of the main democratic opposition parties in June and July 2020, as well as the extension of the ruling on Acción Democrática for one more year in May 2021. His actions have therefore undermined democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela, and he has supported and facilitated the undermining of democracy and the rule of law by the executive branch.

    22.2.2021

    46.

    Carmen Auxiliadora ZULETA DE MERCHÁN

    Date of birth: 13 December 1947

    Gender: female

    Former judge of the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court (Tribunal Supremo de Justicia (TSJ)). As a member of the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court, she has been responsible for actions, statements and rulings that have usurped the constitutional powers of the National Assembly and undermined the opposition’s electoral rights including the unilateral appointment by the Supreme Court of the National Electoral Council (Consejo Nacional Electoral (CNE)) in June 2020 and the suspension and unilateral replacement of the leadership of three of the main democratic opposition parties in June and July 2020, as well as the extension of the ruling on Acción Democrática for one more year in May 2021. Her actions have therefore undermined democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela, and she has supported and facilitated the undermining of democracy and the rule of law by the executive branch.

    22.2.2021

    47.

    Indira Maira ALFONZO IZAGUIRRE

    Date of birth: 29 April 1968

    Place of birth: La Guaira, La Guaira State, Venezuela

    ID-number: V-6978710

    Gender: female

    Former President of the Electoral Chamber of the Supreme Court (Tribunal Supremo de Justicia (TSJ)). Former chairwoman of the National Electoral Council (Consejo Nacional Electoral (CNE)), appointed on 13 June 2020. Former member of the Electoral Chamber and Plenary Chamber of the Supreme Court, Second Vice-Chairwoman of the Supreme Court from 2015 until 24 February 2017, Vice-Chairwoman of the Supreme Court from 24 February 2017 until 12 June 2020. As a member of the Electoral Chamber of the Supreme Court, Indira Maira Alfonzo Izaguirre is responsible for the actions taken against the then newly elected National Assembly in December 2015, resulting in the impossibility for the National Assembly to exert its legislative power. Moreover, she accepted her appointment as the chairwoman of the CNE in June 2020 by the Supreme Court although this prerogative belongs to the National Assembly. In that role she prepared and supervised the non-democratic elections of the National Assembly held on 6 December 2020 and participated in the change of 30 June 2020 to the electoral norms for those elections, without formally leaving the Supreme Court (temporary permit to integrate the CNE). After the renewal of the CNE in May 2021, she returned to the Supreme Court. Her actions have therefore undermined democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela.

    22.2.2021

    48.

    Leonardo Enrique MORALES POLEO

    Gender: male

    Former Vice-President of the National Electoral Council (Consejo Nacional Electoral (CNE)) and President of the Political Participation and Financing Commission (August 2020–May 2021). Leonardo Enrique Morales Poleo was appointed Vice-President of the CNE and President of the Political Participation and Financing Commission on 7 August 2020 by the Supreme Court (Tribunal Supremo de Justicia (TSJ)) although this prerogative belongs to the National Assembly. Moreover, just prior to his appointment he served in the Advanced Progressive Party (Avanzada progresista). As member (rector) and Vice-President of the CNE, he fully took part in the decision-making process of the CNE. He supported and facilitated the supervision of the electoral process that led to the non-democratic elections of the National Assembly on 6 December 2020. His actions have therefore further undermined democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela. Leonardo Enrique Morales Poleo accepted to be appointed to the CNE and remained in his position as Vice-President of the CNE while democracy was severely undermined in Venezuela.

    22.2.2021

    49.

    Tania D’AMELIO CARDIET

    Date of birth: 5 December 1971

    Place of birth: Italy

    Nationality: Venezuelan

    ID-number: V-11691429

    Gender: female

    Judge of the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court (Tribunal Supremo de Justicia (TSJ)) since April 2022. Former member (rector) of the National Electoral Council (Consejo Nacional Electoral (CNE)) for the period 2016-2023. Former Member (rector) of the CNE for the period 2010-2016. Tania d’Amelio Cardiet, as rector of the CNE since 2010, contributed directly by her activity in her functions to the undermining of democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela, including by preparing the non-democratic 2020 National Assembly elections, participating in the change of 30 June 2020 to the electoral norms for those elections, and participating in the organisation and execution of the 2018 presidential elections. Moreover, Tania d’Amelio Cardiet accepted her 2016 appointment at the CNE by the Supreme Court, although this prerogative belongs to the National Assembly.

    22.2.2021

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    50.

    José Miguel DOMÍNGUEZ RAMÍREZ

    Date of birth: 17 October 1979

    ID-number: V-14444352

    Gender: male

    Director of the Special Action Forces (Fuerzas de Acciones Especiales (FAES)) since 6 May 2019. Former Chief Commissioner of the FAES in Táchira State. Additionally, José Miguel Domínguez Ramírez was the Director of Operations of the FAES, which fall within Venezuela’s Bolivarian National Police. Responsible for serious human rights violations and repressing of civil society and democratic opposition in Venezuela committed by FAES officials under his authority. The FAES are known for extrajudicial killings and their violent role in suppressing dissent from Maduro’s political opponents, the opposition, and protesters, which is why the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet has demanded the dissolution of the FAES. Moreover, previously, Domínguez Ramírez was a member of the Venezuelan security team that opened fire on unarmed student protestors on 12 February 2014, resulting in the death of at least one of the students, Bassil Da Costa.

    22.2.2021

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    51.

    Carlos Ramón Enrique CARVALLO GUEVARA

    ID-number: V-10132041

    Gender: male

    President of state enterprise Corporación Ecosocialista Ezequiel Zamora (CORPOEZ) since March 2021. Division General, and Deputy Director of the Directorate-General of Military Counter-Intelligence (Dirección General de Contrainteligencia Militar (DGCIM)) from 21 August 2020 until 11 March 2021. Successor of General Rafael Ramón Blanco Marrero. Previously, Carvallo Guevara served for the DGCIM in Los Andes region and held an upper rank position in the Bolivarian National Guard. Responsible for serious human rights violations in Venezuela committed by DGCIM officials under his command. In the recently published findings of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, DGCIM is characterised as an institution directly responsible for carrying out severe human rights violations.

    22.2.2021

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    52.

    Jesús Emilio VÁSQUEZ QUINTERO

    ID-number: V-7422049

    Gender: male

    President of the Court Martial and the Military Criminal Judicial Circuit since 17 September 2021. Division General since 5 July 2019 and former Attorney General of the Military Prosecutor’s Office (December 2017 - 17 September 2021). As Attorney General of the Military Prosecutor’s Office, responsible for undermining democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela. The Military Prosecutor’s Office has been linked to internal judicial prosecution in the Armed Forces, and failures to investigate incidents, including the case of the death of Captain Acosta in 2019. Moreover, military justice is being applied to civilians.

    22.2.2021

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    53.

    Carlos Enrique TERÁN HURTADO

    ID-number: V-8042567

    Gender: male

    Brigadier General since 5 July 2019 and head of the Special Directorate of Criminal Investigation of the Directorate-General of Military Counter-Intelligence (Dirección General de Contrainteligencia Militar (DGCIM)) from 2019 until 2021. In previous functions, Brigadier General Terán Hurtado served as head of the police in Falcón state and head of DGCIM in Táchira state. Responsible for serious human rights violations, including cruel and inhumane treatment of detainees, committed by DGCIM officials under his command. In the detailed findings of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Brigadier General Terán Hurtado is specifically pointed out as one of the responsible actors, and is linked to the captain de la Sotta case.

    22.2.2021

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    54.

    Manuel Eduardo PÉREZ URDANETA

    Date of birth: 29 December 1960 or 26 May 1962

    Place of birth: Cagua, State of Aragua

    ID-number: V-6357038

    Passport number: 001234503 (expired 2012)

    Gender: male

    Former Deputy Minister of the Interior and Justice. Within the Venezuelan Ministry of the Interior and Justice, Brigadier General Manuel Eduardo Pérez Urdaneta ranked as one of five Deputy Ministers. His portfolio encompassed Preventive Security and Public Safety (Viceministro de prevención y Seguridad Ciudadana). Before that, Brigadier General Pérez served as Director of the Bolivarian National Police. In that role he was responsible for serious human rights violations, including the use of severe physical force against peaceful protesters, committed by officials of the Bolivarian National Police under his authority.

    22.2.2021.

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    55.

    Douglas Arnoldo RICO GONZÁLEZ

    Date of birth: 28 September 1969

    ID-number: V-6864238

    Gender: male

    Director of the Bureau for Scientific, Criminal, and Forensic Investigations (Cuerpo de Investigaciones Científicas, Penales y Criminalísticas (CICPC)) since 5 February 2016. Previously, he acted as CICPC deputy director. Responsible for serious human rights violations, by CICPC officials under his authority. The report of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela characterises CICPC as an institution that commits systematic human rights violations in Venezuela. CICPC is also involved in extra-judicial killings, according to the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights released on 16 June 2021.

    22.2.2021.

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    ANNEX II

    List of natural and legal persons, entities and bodies referred to in Article 7(2)



    ( 1 ) Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP of 8 December 2008 defining common rules governing control of exports of military technology and equipment (OJ L 335, 13.12.2008, p. 99).

    ( 2 ) Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2018 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by the Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 and Decision No 1247/2002/EC (OJ L 295, 21.11.2018, p. 39).

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