US Increases Bounty on Venezuelan President Amid Controversial Inauguration

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The United States has raised its bounty on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to $25 million, coinciding with his swearing-in ceremony for a controversial third term amidst ongoing political turmoil. Maduro has been in power since 2013 and was declared the winner of July’s disputed election by Venezuela's electoral authority, despite opposition claims indicating a significant loss.

The US accused Maduro of narcotics and corruption in 2020 and has intensified its sanctions against him and several other officials. The Biden administration's latest punitive measures also include a $25 million bounty on Diosdado Cabello, Venezuela's Interior Minister, and $15 million on Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino. Multiple countries, including the US, recognize opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez as the legitimate president, further complicating the political landscape.

As Maduro took his oath in Caracas, he expressed optimism for his new term, calling for peace and democratic reforms. The event was attended by around 2,000 invitees from various nations, including allies such as Cuba and Nicaragua. Yet, the situation remains tense, with Gonzalez's return to Venezuela anticipated, potentially leading to his arrest.

The political climate in Venezuela continues to deteriorate, marked by a deep economic crisis, accusations of human rights violations, and challenges to the legitimacy of the Maduro government. NGOs and international observers have condemned the repressive measures against the opposition, which have reportedly included numerous arrests and detentions since the election.

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