The Venezuelan National Assembly passed the Law to Guarantee Freedom of Navigation and Trade Against Piracy, Blockades, and Other International Illicit Acts on Tuesday, in response to actions taken by the United States against the South American nation, including the hijacking of oil tankers and a naval blockade in the Caribbean.

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The legislation, unanimously approved in an extraordinary session, consists of 15 articles and will be sent to President Nicolás Maduro for promulgation. Its scope covers individuals, legal entities, and foreigners who commit the crimes described in the law, reinforcing the defense of Venezuelan maritime sovereignty.

The Speaker of Parliament, Jorge Rodríguez, highlighted that this law is the 100th passed by the assembly and described it as “a law of dignity against the privateers of the Caribbean.” He also emphasized that the laws enacted by the current legislature seek “the benefit of the people, for the economy, the defense of the homeland, to fulfill the legislative mandate and the provisions of the National Constitution.”

Rodríguez contrasted the work of parliament with that of sectors of the opposition, whom he accused of “handing the nation over to foreign empires, stealing, promoting sanctions and blockades, and destroying the State’s natural resources.” He thanked the deputies for their “courage, tenacity, and strength,” highlighting that today Venezuela has “a strong, courageous, patriotic, Venezuelan Legislative Branch.”

The law is a response to recent US aggression, including a military deployment in the Caribbean region starting in August 2025, and seeks to protect the country’s maritime and commercial interests against acts considered international piracy.

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