White House accuses Venezuela of human rights abuses, sanctions 7 officials

President Obama on Monday signed an executive order increasing sanctions on Venezuela over alleged human rights abuses.

"We are deeply concerned by the Venezuelan government's efforts to escalate intimidation of its political opponents," the White House said in a statement, adding that Caracas had to "improve the climate of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, such as the freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly."

The move, which builds on the Venezuela Defense of Human Rights and Civil Society Act of 2014, includes targeted sanctions on seven Venezuelan officials accused of "violence against anti-government protesters," according to Treasury Secretary Jack Lew.

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