Britain announced new sanctions on Friday against 15 people associated with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government, saying they were responsible for human rights violations and undermining democracy and the rule of law.

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain on Friday set out new sanctions targeting 15 individuals associated with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government, alleging they were responsible for human rights violations and undermining democracy and the rule of law.

On the same day Nicolás Maduro was sworn in to serve a six-year term as the president of Venezuela, the U.S. announced a $25 million reward for his arrest. The reward is part of a program aimed at "disrupting and dismantling transnational drug trafficking organizations."

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, who's been in power since 2013, has been sworn in for a third time despite outcry surrounding his election. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was briefly detained amid protests against Maduro.

The U.S. government increased the rewards Friday for the capture of Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro and his number two, Diosdado Cabello, to $25 million each, minutes after it said the dictator was “fraudulently” sworn in for a third presidential term.

Maduro and his aides have always rejected sanctions by the U.S. and others, saying they are illegitimate measures that amount to an "economic war" designed to cripple Venezuela. H

President-elect Donald Trump issued a warning to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who entered his third term Friday, that he better keep democracy activists 'safe and alive' after detaining Maria Machado.

Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro was sworn in for a third presidential term after an election the opposition says was rigged.

The US has announced an increased $25m (£20.4m) re Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on the day he was sworn in for a third six-year term in office. The inauguration ceremony was overshadowed by recrimination from the international community and Venezuelan opposition leaders.