U.S. slaps new sanctions on Venezuela, fugitive mayor defiant

By Hugh Bronstein and Matt SpetalnickCARACAS/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Washington imposed sanctions on eight Venezuelan officials on Wednesday for their role in creating an all-powerful legislative body loyal to President Nicolas Maduro, while a mayor-turned-fugitive called for more anti-government protests.The new U.S. sanctions targeted politicians and security figures but stopped short of actions against Venezuela's vital oil industry.Energy sector sanctions, which could cripple Venezuela's alre