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.

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

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

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.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was sworn in for a third six-year term Friday despite international condemnation of his recent reelection as illegitimate, as his administration grows increasingly brazen in cracking down on opponents.

"The power granted to me by the Constitution has not been given to me by a foreign government or a gringo government," Maduro declared in his inauguration speech. "I have not been placed by the oligarchy.