The U.S. on Thursday imposed sanctions against Venezuela’s military counterintelligence agency following the death in custody of a navy captain amid allegations of torture.
The U.S. Treasury said on its website that it had sanctioned the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence but gave no further details.
President Nicolas Maduro’s government confirmed the death on June 29 of Rafael Acosta, who was arrested eight days earlier for alleged participation in a coup plot.
Human rights organisations and political leaders have accused Maduro’s government of torturing Acosta to death and refusing the clarify the circumstances.
Amid food and medicine shortages, Venezuela’s oil-dependent economy has teetered on the verge of collapse, inciting mass protests against Maduro.
The U.S. recognises opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president.
