United States (U.S.) President Donald Trump has approved an executive order aimed at shielding Americans from what his administration described as “wrongful detention” in foreign countries.
The U.S. Department of State, in a statement released on Friday, explained that the new directive introduces harsh consequences for governments or groups found guilty of detaining Americans to gain political or financial leverage.
“Today, President Trump signed an Executive Order that takes unprecedented action to impose new consequences on those who wrongfully detain Americans abroad,” the statement said.
It added that individuals or states labelled as “State Sponsors of Wrongful Detention” would face sweeping penalties.
These measures include economic sanctions, visa restrictions, limits on foreign assistance, and new travel bans on U.S. passport holders.
“Like the State Sponsor of Terrorism determination, no nation should want to end up on this list.
The bottom line; Anyone who uses an American as a bargaining chip will pay the price,” the statement quoted Mr Trump as saying.
The U.S. government stressed that the decision underscores Trump’s commitment not only to advancing America’s global interests but also to prioritising the safety and rights of U.S. nationals.
