International

Venezuela’s new law imposes harsh penalties for promoting foreign sanctions

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro described the law passed by the National Assembly on Thursday as “progressive.” The law imposes prison sentences ranging from 25 to 30 years for individuals who promote or are involved in any way with foreign sanctions imposed on the government and “authorities” of the state.

“It’s a progressive law, an advanced law, a law in defense of Venezuela, a law to end impunity. It was a necessary law,” said Maduro during a program broadcast by the state-owned Venezuelan Television (VTV).

Maduro emphasized that if the United States “tightens its grip” to “harm” the Caribbean nation, his government would respond by “doing good for the people, protecting the citizens, and strengthening the institutions.”

He also urged lawmakers to explain the law nationwide and announced plans to call for a “mass demonstration,” without specifying a date, to sign the legislative text and have it published in the Official Gazette.

The National Assembly (AN), controlled by the ruling chavismo, approved the ‘Libertador Simón Bolívar Organic Law Against Imperialist Blockade and in Defense of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.’ The law also imposes fines of up to one million euros (around $1,055,680) for those who promote or are involved in the foreign sanctions against the government.

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The unanimously approved law includes political disqualification for up to 60 years for those convicted of these “crimes,” preventing them from running for public office or elective positions.

Moreover, individuals who “promote, instigate, request, invoke, favor, support, or participate in the adoption or execution” of “armed actions or force, as well as cyberattacks” against the country, its institutions, or authorities, many of whom are sanctioned by other countries, will face legal consequences.

Media outlets that broadcast any messages promoting sanctions or measures that “harm the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela” will also face fines and could be removed from circulation or the radio spectrum, depending on the platform.

International

Bill Gates to testify before Congress over Epstein connections

Bill Gates is set to testify on June 10 before a congressional committee in United States investigating links connected to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a source familiar with the matter told AFP on Tuesday.

The Microsoft co-founder is among several high-profile figures named in documents released by the Department of Justice, which detail alleged close associations, questionable financial dealings, and private photographs involving Epstein.

According to a spokesperson cited by Politico, Gates “welcomes” the opportunity to appear before the committee. The representative emphasized that Gates “never attended or participated in any illegal activities with Epstein” and is prepared to answer questions to support the investigation.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation did not immediately respond to AFP’s request for comment.

In late February, Gates told members of his foundation’s board that his association with Epstein was a “huge mistake.” He has consistently denied any involvement in the financier’s criminal activities. Epstein died by suicide in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on charges of sex trafficking minors.

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“I did nothing illegal. I saw nothing illegal,” Gates said, according to a recording obtained by The Wall Street Journal.

Gates acknowledged that his relationship with Epstein began in 2011, three years after Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution from a minor.

A draft email written by Epstein and released by the Department of Justice referenced alleged extramarital relationships involving Gates. The message, which was apparently never sent, claimed that Epstein had helped “Bill” obtain medication related to encounters with Russian women.

Gates admitted to having had two extramarital affairs but denied any involvement with Epstein’s victims.

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International

Former Trump allies call for removal, cite 25th Amendment amid Iran threats

Former allies of U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday called for his removal from office, arguing he is unfit to continue in the role following recent threats to “wipe out an entire civilization,” made just hours before the deadline of his ultimatum to Iran.

One of the most prominent voices was former Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who invoked the 25th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution as a mechanism to remove the president from power.

“25th Amendment! Not a single bomb has fallen on the U.S. We cannot annihilate an entire civilization. This is evil and insanity,” Greene wrote on social media platform X.

Greene, once a leading figure within Trump’s political movement during his first term, broke with the president last November over disagreements on foreign policy and his handling of controversial cases.

Another former supporter, controversial commentator Alex Jones, also raised the possibility of applying the constitutional provision during his show, in a conversation with attorney Robert Barnes.

Barnes explained that invoking the 25th Amendment requires the support of two-thirds of Congress, making it a more complex process than impeachment.

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Section 4 of the amendment, ratified in 1967, establishes that the vice president, together with a majority of the cabinet, can declare the president unable to perform the duties of the office, a decision that must then be confirmed by both chambers of Congress.

The statements come amid rising international tensions and increasing domestic political pressure on the president.

International

Trump pauses strikes on Iran, extends ultimatum by two weeks

The president of the United States, Donald Trump, announced a temporary suspension of attacks against Iran for a period of two weeks, extending the ultimatum he had imposed on Tehran just hours before its deadline.

According to the president, the measure is conditional on Iran allowing the “full, immediate, and secure” reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump stated that the decision would involve a reciprocal ceasefire between both parties.

The announcement was made through a message on his social media platform, where he emphasized that the pause in military actions is intended to create space for de-escalation in the region.

He also noted that the decision followed a conversation with the prime minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, who requested a two-week extension of the ultimatum.

The move comes amid heightened global tensions, marked by escalating threats and concerns over the potential impact of the conflict on key international energy trade routes.