Sanctions proposed on Bukele amid El Salvador’s crypto controversy
US senators propose sanctions on El Salvador’s Bukele, citing human rights abuses and alleged misuse of Bitcoin by government officials.
A group of US Democratic senators has proposed legislation seeking sanctions against El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele and members of his government. The El Salvador Accountability Act targets alleged human rights abuses and Bitcoin misuse during the state of exception.
The bill calls for measures including freezing US-held assets, visa restrictions, and suspending financial aid to Bukele, his cabinet, and other government-linked individuals. It requires the US president to give annual updates on sanctions and a detailed report on El Salvador’s crypto activities.
The report must detail public Bitcoin spending, exchanges used, wallet addresses, and potential gaps enabling corruption or sanctions evasion.
President Bukele rejected the sanctions proposal, mocking the lawmakers on social media and pointing to his growing cooperation with US President Donald Trump. Their collaboration includes efforts against gangs and shared support for crypto initiatives.
Bukele’s dismissal underscores tensions between US lawmakers and El Salvador’s leadership amid ongoing geopolitical and financial debates.
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