The United States on Monday instituted visa restrictions on Venezuelan officials alleged to have been involved in human rights violations and corruption, expanding the list of individuals banned from the US following the sanctions imposed last year.
"We are sending a clear message that human rights abusers, those who profit from public corruption, and their families are not welcome in the United States," the State Department said in a statement.
The individuals have not been named due to US regulations on confidentiality for visa applicants.
US diplomats were quoted by Reuters as saying the restrictions would target security personnel and their families, involved in deadly anti-government protests in the beginning of last year, where 43 people including protesters were killed.
The Venezuelan president, Nicolas Maduro condemned the restrictions, as "an attempt to violate sovereignty", the BBC reported.
"We are sending a clear message that human rights abusers, those who profit from public corruption, and their families are not welcome in the United States," the State Department said in a statement.
The individuals have not been named due to US regulations on confidentiality for visa applicants.
US diplomats were quoted by Reuters as saying the restrictions would target security personnel and their families, involved in deadly anti-government protests in the beginning of last year, where 43 people including protesters were killed.
The Venezuelan president, Nicolas Maduro condemned the restrictions, as "an attempt to violate sovereignty", the BBC reported.