### Venezuela Enacts Harsh Anti-Piracy Law Amid U.S. Tensions In a significant legislative move, Venezuela's National Assembly, dominated by the ruling party, has unanimously approved a new law imposing severe penalties for actions deemed as piracy or supporting U.S. blockades. This decision comes in response to recent U.S. naval actions against Venezuelan oil shipments, which the Venezuelan government has labeled as illegal acts of piracy. The law threatens prison sentences of up to 20 years for individuals who support or promote these U.S. actions, reflecting the escalating tensions between Caracas and Washington over oil sanctions and maritime security issues [https://mfame.guru/venezuela-approves-law-threatening-20-year-prison-terms-over-piracy-claims][https://www.tbsnews.net/world/venezuela-passes-law-against-piracy-blockades-amid-us-oil-ship-seizures-1317721]. ### Structure of the Response 1. **Background of the Law** - The law was introduced following U.S. Coast Guard seizures of Venezuelan oil tankers, which the Venezuelan government claims are acts of piracy [https://www.moneycontrol.com/world/venezuela-approves-sweeping-law-criminalising-tanker-seizures-amid-trump-pressure-campaign-article-13740183.html]. - President Nicolás Maduro has framed the legislation as a means to protect national sovereignty and ensure freedom of navigation [https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2025/12/24/latam-venezuela-law-navigation-freedom/5951766585372]. 2. **Key Provisions of the Law** - The law imposes prison terms ranging from 15 to 20 years for individuals promoting or supporting U.S. blockades [https://24newshd.tv/24-dec-2025/venezuela-passes-law-jail-backers-us-oil-blockade]. - It also includes provisions for fines exceeding one million dollars and offers state-sponsored legal protection for commercial operators affected by these actions [https://www.marineinsight.com/shipping-news/venezuela-approves-20-year-jail-terms-for-supporters-of-piracy-following-us-oil-tanker-seizures]. 3. **Political Context and Reactions** - The law has been passed amid a backdrop of heightened U.S. sanctions against Venezuela, which have been in place since 2019, significantly impacting the country's oil production and economy [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3740203-venezuelas-new-law-sparks-controversy-over-maritime-security]. - Maduro's government views the U.S. actions as part of a broader strategy to undermine his administration and seize control of Venezuela's oil resources [https://www.moneycontrol.com/world/venezuela-approves-sweeping-law-criminalising-tanker-seizures-amid-trump-pressure-campaign-article-13740183.html]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Legislative Details**: The law was passed unanimously by the National Assembly, which is controlled by Maduro's party, indicating strong political backing for the measure [https://news.az/news/venezuela-passes-law-to-imprison-those-backing-us-piracy]. - **U.S. Actions**: The U.S. has intensified its naval presence in the Caribbean, claiming to target vessels involved in drug trafficking, which Venezuela disputes [https://www.tbsnews.net/world/venezuela-passes-law-against-piracy-blockades-amid-us-oil-ship-seizures-1317721]. - **Economic Impact**: Venezuela's oil production has been severely affected by U.S. sanctions, with the country selling most of its crude on the black market at steep discounts [https://www.moneycontrol.com/world/venezuela-approves-sweeping-law-criminalising-tanker-seizures-amid-trump-pressure-campaign-article-13740183.html]. ### Conclusion The enactment of Venezuela's new anti-piracy law represents a bold response to U.S. maritime actions and reflects the ongoing geopolitical struggle over oil resources. The law's severe penalties underscore the Venezuelan government's commitment to countering perceived threats to its sovereignty and economic stability. 1. **Legislation Passed**: Venezuela's National Assembly has approved a law imposing up to 20 years in prison for supporting U.S. blockades. 2. **Context of Tensions**: This move follows U.S. seizures of Venezuelan oil tankers, which the government labels as piracy. 3. **Political Implications**: The law is seen as a tool for Maduro to consolidate power amid ongoing U.S. sanctions and international scrutiny. The situation remains fluid, with potential implications for international trade and diplomatic relations in the region [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3740203-venezuelas-new-law-sparks-controversy-over-maritime-security].