The Treasury Department has added 21 more associates of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to its sanctions list, citing their involvement in the government’s crackdown following July’s election.

Among those sanctioned are key figures in security and the cabinet, including the head of the national prison system, an intelligence agency director, and a presidential office minister. They join numerous other Venezuelan officials already under U.S. sanctions, a group that includes the head of the Supreme Court, ministers, and prosecutors.

Following the July 28th election, the Biden administration recognized opposition candidate Edmundo González as Venezuela’s “president-elect” and concurrently imposed visa restrictions on additional individuals implicated in post-election actions.

While González claims victory, he and his government haven’t presented supporting vote counts.

González sought refuge in Spain after a Venezuelan arrest warrant was issued in relation to the release of vote data. The former diplomat, representing major opposition groups, asserted a substantial electoral win.

This latest round of sanctions follows September’s action against 16 Maduro allies, accused of election interference and human rights violations.

The impact of these new sanctions and visa restrictions remains uncertain, given that previously sanctioned Maduro loyalists maintain influential positions within the Venezuelan government.

Meanwhile, Venezuelan legislators debated a bill this week that would criminalize economic sanctions as crimes against humanity, enabling prosecution of those who support them.