Venezuelan lawmakers have approved a bill that codifies economic sanctions, like those imposed by the United States, as a crime against humanity and allows the prosecution of anyone who expresses support for the measures.

Venezuelan lawmakers approved a bill criminalizing the support of economic sanctions, viewed as crimes against humanity. The legislation targets opposition leaders advocating sanctions, banning them from office and allowing prosecution in absentia.

Venezuelan lawmakers approve a bill classifying economic sanctions as crimes against humanity, targeting opposition leaders and supporters.

National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez, center, holds a bill that codifies economic sanctions as a crime against humanity and allows prosecution of anyone who expresses support for the measures,

Assembly passes law that would ban officials who support international sanctions from holding office for up to 60 years.