Venezuelan opposition seeks new judges for pro-Maduro Supreme Court

Record ID: 903166

  • Title: Venezuelan opposition seeks new judges for pro-Maduro Supreme Court
  • Date: 18th July 2017
  • Summary: CARACAS, VENEZUELA (FILE) (REUTERS) EXTERIOR OF VENEZUELAN SUPREME COURT WITH FLAGS FROM RESPECTIVE STATES OUTSIDE BUILDING EXTERIOR OF ENTRANCE TO COURT JUDGES SEATED AT ROUNDTABLE AT COURT JUDGE STANDING BY TABLE JUDGES SEATED AT TABLE JUDGES SEATED AT TABLE WITH LARGE PAINTING OF COURT OFFICIALS HUNG BEHIND THEM
  • Embargoed: 1st August 2017 21:23
  • Keywords: Venezuela National Assembly government body Supreme Court judges
  • Location: CARACAS, VENEZUELA
  • City: CARACAS, VENEZUELA
  • Country: Venezuela
  • Topics: Crime/Law/Justice,Crime
  • Reuters ID: LVA0026Q8W407
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text:Venezuela's opposition-led National Assembly voted on Tuesday (July 18) to begin a nomination process to replace the country's Supreme Court judges, amidst accusations from the opposition that the judicial body is being used to prop up the government of President Nicolas Maduro.
    The country's opposition and the Supreme Court have been at odds since judges in March ruled to dissolve the National Assembly and take over legislature's functions. That touched off an international outcry, and the tribunal quickly scrubbed the offending clauses.
    But dozens of previous rulings overturning National Assembly measures have left the opposition-led Assembly powerless. Lawmakers now want to begin proceedings to dismiss judges and nominate a new panel for the court.
    Amidst anger widespread shortages, three-digit inflation and rampant crime, Venezuelans have taken to the streets to demand early elections. But the socialist government has rejected such demands as a foreign-backed coup, instead calling for a Constituent Assembly with powers to change the country's constitution. The move has been criticised by the opposition as way to embolden the government's power.
  • Copyright Holder: FILE REUTERS (CAN SELL)
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2017. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
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