Maduro sworn in for third six-year term

(Patria) - Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, whose re-election is contested by the opposition accusing him of electoral fraud, was sworn in yesterday in Caracas for his third six-year term.

- I swear that this new presidential term will be a term of peace, progress, equality, and new democracy - Maduro said in front of Parliament Speaker Jorge Rodriguez.

- You are inaugurated as constitutional president - Rodriguez then said.

The opposition disputes the victory of the 62-year-old Maduro in the elections held on July 28, which were accompanied by unrest in which some lost their lives and thousands of people were arrested.

Opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, however, claims he won the elections and reiterated on Thursday that he is the "elected president".

Maduro, Hugo Chavez's successor, has ruled Venezuela with an iron fist since 2013.

Opposition protests gathered thousands who chanted "We are not afraid!" and held banners with the slogans "Freedom is not asked for, it is won".

The National Electoral Council (CNE) declared Maduro the winner with 52 percent of the votes, but without publishing the election report, citing that the council suffered a computer hack, which many observers consider unlikely.

The United States, Great Britain, and the EU imposed new sanctions on Venezuela on Friday.

- Maduro has once again shown his complete disregard for democratic norms and is carrying out an illegitimate inauguration - White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters.

The US sanctioned eight Venezuelan officials close to Maduro. Great Britain imposed sanctions on 15 individuals connected to his regime, calling him an "illegitimate" president.

The British government said the purpose of these sanctions is to bring those responsible for human rights violations and anti-democratic activities "to justice".

EU High Representative for Foreign Policy Kaja Kallas said Maduro has no democratic legitimacy.

- The European Union stands with those who defend democratic values in Venezuela - Kallas said.

The EU also imposed new sanctions against 15 individuals accused of undermining democracy, the rule of law, and human rights violations.

A total of 69 individuals in Venezuela are now covered by EU sanctions, which include asset freezes and travel bans to the EU.