THE European Union imposed sanctions on seven high-ranking Venezuelan ministers and state officials today, following Washington’s lead.

EU officials claimed the seven were “involved in the non-respect of democratic principles or the rule of law as well as in the violation of human rights.”

The targeted individuals include Interior Minister Nestor Reverol, Attorney General Tarek William Saab, Supreme Court chair Maikel Moreno and National Electoral Council president Tibisay Lucena.