Venezuela top court accuses more lawmakers of treason as congress building blocked
Source: Reuters
WORLD NEWS MAY 14, 2019 / 1:38 PM / UPDATED 24 MINUTES AGO
Venezuela top court accuses more lawmakers of treason as congress building blocked
CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuelas top court accused four opposition lawmakers of treason on Tuesday, following similar accusations against 10 legislators this month, escalating a deep political crisis in the South American country.
Security forces had earlier prevented lawmakers from entering the legislature for Tuesdays session, saying they were investigating the possible presence of an explosive device inside the building.
The Supreme Court in a statement posted on its Facebook page accused lawmakers Carlos Paparoni, Miguel Pizarro, Franco Casella and Winston Flores of treason and inciting rebellion. The accusations marked the latest step in a crackdown by President Nicolas Maduro on allies of opposition leader Juan Guaido following a failed effort to spur a military uprising in April.
This simply gives us more strength, Flores told Reuters, calling the Supreme Courts accusations illegitimate orders from the dictator. We know they will continue with this process of trying to destroy the National Assembly.
Last week, one opposition lawmaker was arrested and several took refuge in foreign embassies in Caracas or fled the country after similar accusations from the court.
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https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics/venezuela-top-court-accuses-more-lawmakers-of-treason-as-congress-building-blocked-idUSKCN1SK288