Venezuela’s Assembly agrees to prosecute nationals who support US sanctions

In a move described as a witch-hunt, Venezuela’s Constituent Assembly, made up of government supporters, have agreed to prosecute those who supported recent U.S. sanctions against the South American country reports say.

The severely cash strapped Venezuelan government complained bitterly after the US imposed sanctions on Caracas in an effort to cut back funds, a move President Nicolas Maduro described as illegal and designed to “asphyxiate” its economy.

“We accept the call of President Nicolas Maduro to initiate, together with the competent state authorities, a historical judgement of treason against those engaged in the promotion of these immoral actions against the interests of the Venezuelan people,” said Diosdado Cabello, a senior member of the body.

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Early this month, the US government also slapped sanctions on Maduro, freezing his assets subject to U.S. jurisdiction, and barring Americans from doing business with him.

The sanctions on Venezuela is coming after months of violence involving opposition protesters during election for a new legislative body in Venezuela, claiming the lives of no less than nine people, including an election candidate.

The deaths from the violence which erupted during the protests include shootings at demonstrators which killed a 13-year-old and a 17-year-old in the western state of Tachira.