The European Union is preparing to impose more sanctions on Venezuela targeting officials who are accused of being involved in torture and other human rights violations.
EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said in a statement Tuesday that it is working with the U.N. to make sure that human rights are respected in Venezuela following reports of abuses by the security forces.
Mogherini said that "the EU is ready to start work towards applying targeted measures for those members of the security forces involved in torture and other serious violations of human rights."
The EU has had measures in place since 2017, including an embargo on arms and on equipment for internal repression. It also slapped 18 officials with travel bans and asset freezes.
Representatives for Maduro and opposition leader Juan Guaido are in Barbados for negotiations after agreeing to set up a platform for ongoing dialogue, extending initial contacts made in Oslo in May.
Crisis-wracked Venezuela has been mired in a political impasse since January when Guaido proclaimed himself acting president, quickly receiving the support of more than 50 countries.
The oil-rich but economically wrecked country has been in a deep recession for five years. Shortages of food and medicine are frequent, and public services are failing.
The EU also said it was ready to slap sanctions on members of the security forces responsible for torture and other serious abuses, after the death of a retired Venezuelan navy officer in custody over a coup attempt.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet has said she was "shocked" by the death of Captain Rafael Acosta Arevalo, who may have been tortured while in detention.
The EU said a recent report by Bachelet "confirms in a clear and detailed manner the extent and seriousness of the human rights violations" in Venezuela.
Some 18 members of the Maduro regime are under EU asset freezes and travel bans, while the bloc has also imposed an embargo on arms and equipment that could be used for internal repression.
