Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/49 of 9 January 2025 amending Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Venezuela
Date: 2025-01-09
Institutions: Council of the European Union
Subjects: EU restrictive measure, Venezuela, economic sanctions, international sanctions, natural person








L_202500049EN.000101.fmx.xml












Official Journal of the European Union


EN
L series













2025/49


10.1.2025







            COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2025/49
         
of 9 January 2025
         
amending Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Venezuela


THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 29 thereof,


Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,

Whereas:







(1)


On 13 November 2017, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074 (1).












(2)


On 4 August 2024, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (the ‘High Representative’) issued a declaration on behalf of the Union which stated that the Union continues to follow developments in Venezuela with great concern, including the fact that the presidential election held on 28 July 2024 in Venezuela did not meet international standards of electoral integrity. The declaration further stated that without the publication of the official voting records by the National Electoral Council of Venezuela (CNE), the officially published results of the election published on 2 August 2024 by the CNE cannot be recognised. The declaration also stated that the Union is seriously concerned about the growing number of arbitrary detentions and the continued harassment of the opposition, and called on Venezuelan authorities to put an end to arbitrary detentions, repression and violent rhetoric against members of the opposition and civil society, and to release all political prisoners.












(3)


On 24 August 2024, the High Representative issued a second declaration on behalf of the Union on the post-election developments stating that the Union remains extremely concerned about the deepening political crisis in Venezuela. The declaration also stated that only complete and independently verifiable results will be accepted and recognised to ensure that the will of the Venezuelan people is respected, and that the Union will continue to facilitate a Venezuelan-led dialogue that provides guarantees to both sides and leads to the restoration of democracy and to solving the current humanitarian and socio-economic crisis in the country.












(4)


In its conclusions of 17 October 2024, the European Council stated that it remained extremely concerned about the situation in Venezuela and the human rights violations reported following the 28 July 2024 presidential election. It urged the Venezuelan authorities to respect the democratic will of the Venezuelan people and to end violence, repression and harassment of the opposition and civil society. Furthermore, in those conclusions, the European Council stated that political prisoners must be released, and that only complete and independently verifiable results will be accepted and recognised. The European Council conclusions also stated that the Union will continue to work with regional partners to support the Venezuelan people in their democratic aspirations and that it stands ready to support a constructive and inclusive transition with guarantees for both sides, to resolve the country’s political impasse and restore democratic institutions peacefully. Moreover, the European Council stated in its conclusions that the Union is ready to mobilise all the instruments at its disposal to support democracy in Venezuela.












(5)


In light of recent developments in Venezuela and the lack of progress towards a Venezuelan-led dialogue leading to the restoration of democracy and the rule of law, and in view of the continued grave human rights situation in the country, the Council considers that 15 persons should be included in the list of natural and legal persons, entities and bodies subject to restrictive measures set out in Annex I to Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074.












(6)


Annex I to Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074 should therefore be amended accordingly,





HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:



Article 1
Annex I to Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074 is amended as set out in the Annex to this Decision.


Article 2
This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.




Done at Brussels, 9 January 2025.


For the Council


The President

A. SZŁAPKA
            





(1)  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, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2017/2074/oj).




ANNEX
The following persons are added to the list of natural and legal persons, entities and bodies set out in Annex I to Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074:










 


Name


Identifying information


Reasons


Date of listing




‘56.


Caryslia Beatriz RODRÍGUEZ RODRÍGUEZ


President of the Supreme Court of Justice of Venezuela (TSJ) and President of the Electoral Chamber of the TSJ
DOB: 16.7.1967
POB: Maracay, Aragua
Nationality: Venezuelan
ID number (Cédula):
8671555
Gender: female


President of the Supreme Court of Justice of Venezuela (TSJ) and President of the Electoral Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice of Venezuela since January 2024. In her function as President of the Electoral Chamber, Caryslia Beatriz Rodríguez Rodríguez is responsible for declaring the proclaimed win of Nicolás Maduro in the 28 July 2024 presidential election as indisputable, although the TSJ did not divulge the detailed voting data on which its ruling was based and despite irregularities in the management of the electoral process by the National Electoral Council (CNE).
In her capacity as President of the Electoral Chamber of the TSJ, she is also responsible for interfering in the opposition primary elections, hence obstructing the opposition’s preparation for the July 2024 presidential election.
Therefore, the actions of Caryslia Beatriz Rodríguez Rodríguez have undermined democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela.


10.1.2025




57.


Fanny Beatriz MÁRQUEZ CORDERO


Vice President of the Supreme Court of Justice of Venezuela (TSJ) and of the Electoral Chamber of the TSJ
DOB: 5.2.1969
National ID number (Cédula) 6272864
Nationality: Venezuelan
Gender: female


Vice President of the Supreme Court of Justice of Venezuela (TSJ) and of the Electoral Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice of Venezuela. In this role, Fanny Beatriz Márquez Cordero was involved in the certification by the TSJ of Nicolás Maduro’s win in the 28 July 2024 presidential election, although the TSJ did not divulge the detailed voting data on which its ruling was based and despite irregularities in the management of the electoral process by the National Electoral Council (CNE).
Therefore, the actions of Fanny Beatriz Márquez Cordero have undermined democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela.


10.1.2025




58.


Inocencio Antonio FIGUEROA ARIZALETA


Judge at the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice of Venezuela (TSJ).
DOB: 17.12.1959
National ID number (Cédula): 5016509
Nationality: Venezuelan
Gender: male


Judge at the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice of Venezuela (TSJ). In this role, he supported the Electoral Chamber of the TSJ in certifying the win of Nicolás Maduro in the 28 July 2024 presidential election, although the TSJ did not divulge detailed voting data on which its ruling was based and despite irregularities in the management of the electoral process by the National Electoral Council (CNE).
Therefore, the actions of Inocencio Antonio Figueroa Arizaleta have undermined democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela.


10.1.2025




59.


Malaquías GIL RODRÍGUEZ


Judge, President of the Political-Administrative Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice of Venezuela (TSJ)
DOB: 27.2.1960
POB: Carache, Estado Trujillo, Venezuela
National ID number (Cédula): 5352190
Nationality: Venezuelan
Gender: male


Judge serving as the President of the Political-Administrative Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice of Venezuela (TSJ) since 2022. In this position, Malaquías Gil Rodríguez was involved in the decision by the Chamber to disqualify opposition leader María Corina Machado as candidate in the presidential election of 28 July 2024, in January 2024.
Therefore, the actions of Malaquías Gil Rodríguez have undermined democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela.


10.1.2025




60.


Antonio José MENESES RODRÍGUEZ


Secretary-General of the National Electoral Council of Venezuela (CNE)
DOB: 10.12.1980
ID number (Cédula): V14316687
Nationality: Venezuelan
Gender: male


Secretary-General of the National Electoral Council of Venezuela (CNE) since August 2023. In this role, Antonio José Meneses Rodríguez delayed the processes in the electoral centers and forbade the acceptance of messages from the opposition addressed to the CNE revealing irregularities. Before assuming his function at the CNE, he signed a document of the Supreme Audit Office confirming the suspension of the electoral rights of opposition leader María Corina Machado.
Therefore, Antonio José Meneses Rodríguez is responsible for undermining democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela.


10.1.2025




61.


Carlos Enrique QUINTERO CUEVAS


Vice President of the National Electoral Council of Venezuela (CNE)
DOB: 16.2.1972
Passport number: 10719241
Nationality: Venezuelan
Gender: male


Vice President of the National Electoral Council of Venezuela (CNE). As Vice President of the CNE, Carlos Enrique Quintero Cuevas fully took part in the decision-making process of the CNE which impeded a transparent electoral process and the release of accurate election results and thus played a crucial role in the management of the presidential election of 28 July 2024.
Therefore, his actions have undermined democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela.


10.1.2025




62.


Conrado Ramón PÉREZ BRICEÑO


Principal Rector of the National Electoral Council (CNE) of Venezuela
DOB: 24.4.1954
POB: Trujillo State, Venezuela
National ID number (Cédula): 4323185
Nationality: Venezuelan
Gender: male


Principal Rector of the National Electoral Council (CNE) of Venezuela since October 2024. He joined the CNE as alternate Rector and Member of the National Electoral Board of the CNE in August 2023.
In his roles as alternate Rector and Member of the National Electoral Board of the CNE, Conrado Ramón Pérez Briceño participated in the decisions by the CNE in relation to the management of the electoral process, which impeded a transparent electoral process and the release of accurate election results and thus played a crucial role in the management of the presidential election of 28 July 2024.
Therefore, his actions have undermined democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela.


10.1.2025




63.


Rosalba GIL PACHECO


Principal Rector of the National Electoral Council of Venezuela (CNE) and President of the Civil and Electoral Registry Commission, and Member of the Political Participation and Financing Commission of the CNE
DOB: 18.3.1965
National ID number (Cédula): 6186648
Nationality: Venezuelan
Gender: female


Principal Rector of the National Electoral Council of Venezuela (CNE) and President of the Civil and Electoral Registry Commission, and Member of the Political Participation and Financing Commission of the National Electoral Council (CNE) of Venezuela since August 2023.
In her role as principal Rector of the CNE, Rosalba Gil Pacheco participated in the decisions by the CNE in relation to the management of the electoral process which has impeded a transparent electoral process and the release of accurate election results and thus played a crucial role in the management of the presidential election of 28 July 2024.
Therefore, her actions have undermined democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela.


10.1.2025




64.


Luis Ernesto DUEÑEZ REYES


Assistant Prosecutor, Public Prosecutor’s Office of Venezuela
DOB: 20.9.1988
POB: San Cristobal, Venezuela
National ID number (Cédula): 18880942
Nationality: Venezuelan
Gender: male


Assistant Prosecutor in the Venezuelan Public Prosecutor’s office. In this role, Luis Ernesto Dueñez Reyes was involved in the political prosecution of Edmundo González Urrutia, presidential candidate of the democratic opposition.
Edmundo González Urrutia is being prosecuted for multiple political “crimes”, as a result of which he was forced into exile.
Therefore, the actions of Luis Ernesto Dueñez Reyes have undermined democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela.


10.1.2025




65.


Edward Miguel BRICEÑO CISNEROS


Special Judge, First Court of First Instance of Venezuela
ID number (Cédula):
V-17514632
Nationality: Venezuelan
Gender: male


Special Judge of the First Court of First Instance with jurisdiction over cases related to crimes associated with terrorism, and competence to hear crimes associated with corruption and organised crime. In this role, Edward Miguel Briceño Cisneros issued an arrest warrant on 2 September 2024 against Edmundo González Urrutia, presidential candidate of the democratic opposition.
Edmundo González Urrutia is being prosecuted for multiple political “crimes”, as a result of which he was forced into exile.
Therefore, Edward Miguel Briceño Cisneros is responsible for the repression of the democratic opposition in Venezuela and his actions have undermined democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela.


10.1.2025




66.


Alexis José RODRÍGUEZ CABELLO


Director, Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN)
DOB: 1.10.1965
ID number (Cédula):
V-8959785
Nationality: Venezuelan
Gender: male


Director of the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN). He was appointed by Nicolás Maduro in that function on 14 October 2024.
The SEBIN has been involved in serious human rights violations, such as extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, and the repression of the democratic opposition in Venezuela.
As director of the SEBIN, Alexis José Rodríguez Cabello is responsible for serious human rights violations and abuses, and repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Venezuela.


10.1.2025




67.


Miguel Antonio MUÑOZ PALACIOS


Deputy Director of the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN)
DOB: 12.7.1964
Passport number: 6186648
Nationality: Venezuelan
Gender: male


Deputy Director of the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN) since 2021. SEBIN Officials under his supervision have committed acts of arbitrary detention, torture and cruel and inhuman treatment, including sexual violence, in “El Helicoide” detention centre, a SEBIN prison.
As Deputy Director of SEBIN Miguel Antonio Muñoz Palacios is therefore responsible for serious human rights violations, including arbitrary detention, inhuman and degrading treatment, torture, and the repression of civil society and the democratic opposition in Venezuela.


10.1.2025




68.


Elio Ramón ESTRADA PAREDES


Commander of the Bolivarian National Guard of Venezuela (GNB)
DOB: 2.12.1966
POB: Caracas, Venezuela
ID number (Cédula):
6857541
Nationality: Venezuelan
Gender: male


Commander of the Bolivarian National Guard (GNB) since July 2023.
As commander of the GNB, Elio Ramón Estrada Paredes was involved in serious human rights violations, including arbitrary detention, torture and cruel and inhuman treatment, and the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Venezuela following the 28 July 2024 presidential election.
Prior to his appointment as Commander of the GNB in July 2023, Elio Ramón Estrada Paredes led the Bolivarian National Police Corps (PNB) from May 2019 to July 2023, overseeing operations that resulted in human rights violations.
Therefore, Elio Ramón Estrada Paredes is responsible for serious human rights violations and repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Venezuela.


10.1.2025




69.


Asdrúbal José BRITO HERNÁNDEZ


Director of the Criminal Investigations department (DEIPC)
DOB: 6.1.1974
Nationality: Venezuelan
Gender: male


Director of the Criminal Investigations department (DEIPC) of the Directorate General of Military Counterintelligence (DGCIM) since 2021.
The DEIPC is in charge of conducting investigations and obtaining evidence against dissidents and opponents, as well as developing dossiers with information on potential targets. It also carries out arrests against such targets and leads interrogations of detainees in Boleíta, the headquarters of DGCIM and known location of especially high numbers of human rights violations and crimes, especially torture.
As Director of the DEIPC, Asdrúbal José Brito Hernández is therefore responsible for serious human rights violations, including torture, excessive use of force and ill-treatment of detainees in DGCIM facilities carried out by members of the DEIPC under his command, particularly at Boleíta Detention Centre.


10.1.2025




70.


Domingo Antonio HERNÁNDEZ LÁREZ


Strategic Operational Commander of the National Bolivarian Armed Forces of Venezuela (FANB)
DOB: 9.3.1964
Passport number: 6133376
Nationality: Venezuelan
Gender: male


Strategic Operational Commander of the National Bolivarian Armed Forces of Venezuela (FANB) since 2021. The FANB was implicated in human rights violations during the repressions of peaceful demonstrations following the 28 July 2024 presidential election.
In his role as Strategic Operational Commander of the FANB, Domingo Antonio Hernández Lárez is responsible for the integration, planning, programming, direction, execution, supervision, command and strategic operational control of security operations. Through his direct chain of command, he is responsible for human rights violations committed by members of the FANB, including killings, arbitrary arrests and repression of the opposition.


10.1.2025’








ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/49/oj
ISSN 1977-0677 (electronic edition)