González López, the new Defense Minister in Venezuela sanctioned by the US and the European Union
Venezuelan Army General Gustavo González López, sanctioned for human rights violations by the US and the European Union (EU), became the country's new Defense Minister, replacing Vladimir Padrino López, Nicolás Maduro's longest-serving minister who failed to prevent Washington from capturing the Chavista leader.
TL;DR
- Gustavo González López, sanctioned by the US and EU for human rights violations, is the new Minister of Defense in Venezuela.
- He replaces Vladimir Padrino López.
- González López previously headed the Sebin (2014-2018, 2019-2024) and DGCIM, agencies linked to human rights abuses.
- A UN mission found reasonable grounds to believe González López had knowledge of and contributed to violations against political opponents, including torture and sexual violence, while at Sebin.
- He also served as Minister of the Interior (2015-2016).
- González López was sanctioned by the US in 2015 for direct or indirect participation in repressive acts and "serious abuse" or violation of human rights.
- Canada sanctioned him in 2017, and the EU and Switzerland in 2018, also for human rights violations.