Venezuela’s National Assembly, controlled by the governing party, has approved new legislation aimed at penalizing activities it says interfere with the country’s maritime trade, including what it describes as piracy and blockades. The measure was passed unanimously on December 23, 2025, and now requires the signature of President Nicolás Maduro to take effect. 

Under the law, individuals who promote, finance, participate in or otherwise support actions that the government classifies as piracy, blockades or other international illicit acts may face prison sentences of up to 20 years and significant fines. The legislation also directs the executive branch to establish protections for commercial operations — including economic and legal safeguards — that could be affected by such activities. 

The legal change comes amid heightened tensions between Venezuela and the United States following several recent U.S. moves targeting oil shipments linked to Venezuela. In December 2025, U.S. authorities seized at least two tankers carrying Venezuelan crude and pursued others under sanctions enforcement operations. Venezuelan officials have criticized these actions as unlawful and argued they harm the country’s economy and sovereignty. 

Venezuelan leaders have framed the bill as a defensive response to what they see as external interference with the country’s vital oil sector. The expanded penalties reflect Caracas’s effort to deter support for foreign measures it regards as hostile, including military blockades and vessel seizures. The new law highlights the intensifying diplomatic and legal disputes tied to maritime commerce and sanctions enforcement in the region.

Sources: AP News, Reuters, DW News