Venezuela: More Opposition Lawmakers Accused of Treason

• 05.15.2019, 14:34
•  World

The Japan Times

Venezuela's Supreme Court has accused four opposition members of parliament of treason and conspiracy, days after making similar accusations against 10 other lawmakers, BBC reports. 

They all supported opposition leader Juan Guaidó in a failed effort to spark a military rebellion against President Nicolás Maduro in April.

Last week, one lawmaker was arrested and several took refuge in embassies.

Meanwhile on Tuesday, security forces blocked off the parliament building.

Members of the Sebin intelligence service, national police and military prevented lawmakers from attending a session at the opposition-controlled National Assembly in the capital, Caracas.

Lawmakers were scheduled to discuss the Supreme Court's decision to annul the parliamentary immunity of several of their colleagues and the arrest of Edgar Zambrano, the assembly's vice-president.

The security forces said they were investigating a possible explosive device inside the building, according to lawmakers.

"This is all part of a show to prevent the National Assembly from functioning," lawmaker Juan Pablo Guanipa told Reuters news agency. "This is a dictatorship that goes after dissidents, and we're fighting for a political change."