Brussels – By Mohamed Selim Aziz: Switzerland has officially added Venezuela’s Acting President, Delcy Eloína Rodríguez Gómez, to its sanctions list targeting Venezuelan officials. This move, active since 2018, reflects the continued international pressure on the leadership in Caracas.

Rodríguez (56), a lawyer who has served as Acting President since January 3, is now one of 54 high-ranking Venezuelan figures sanctioned by Bern. The measures include freezing financial assets and a ban on entering or transiting through Swiss territory. The list also features prominent figures such as Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello.

Swiss authorities justified the decision by stating that Rodríguez, through her roles in the Presidential Commission and as head of the Constituent Assembly—which Bern deems “illegitimate”—has contributed to undermining democracy and the rule of law. She is accused of usurping the powers of the elected National Assembly and using that authority to target the opposition and exclude them from the political process.

The Swiss Federal Government had previously imposed a comprehensive ban on the export of military equipment and surveillance tools to Venezuela in March 2018, aligning with European Union sanctions. Furthermore, on January 5, Bern announced an immediate freeze on all Swiss-based assets belonging to Nicolás Maduro and 36 individuals from his inner circle.

Human Rights Concerns and the “State of Exception”

On the ground, fears have escalated regarding intensified crackdowns and widespread human rights violations following the declaration of a “State of External Disturbance.” This follows the recent U.S. operation and the high-profile arrest of Nicolás Maduro on January 3.

In Geneva, Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, warned that the declared state of emergency is “deeply concerning.” She noted that it allows for severe restrictions on freedom of movement, the seizure of property under the guise of national defense, and the suspension of the right to peaceful assembly.

The Venezuelan decree authorizes national and municipal police forces to immediately pursue and arrest any individual suspected of promoting or supporting the alleged U.S. armed attack on Venezuelan territory.