Venezuela’s parliament has passed a new law criminalizing the seizure of oil tankers and other actions that disrupt trade, following the US seizure of two tankers carrying Venezuelan crude this month.

Axar.az, citing DW, reports that the legislation allows prison sentences of up to 20 years for those involved in what Caracas calls piracy, blockades, or illegal international acts, and mandates protections for companies doing business with Venezuela.

The move comes amid escalating tensions with Washington, which defends the seizures as part of its pressure campaign against President Nicolás Maduro.

At an emergency UN Security Council meeting, China and Russia accused the US of violating international law, while the US said the measures aim to cut off funds it claims Maduro uses for criminal activities.