South America

Venezuela Opposition Cries Coup After Courts Suspended The Legislature

Venezuela's Supreme Court has removed the legislature's lawmaking powers. Those who oppose President Nicolás Maduro say it's a coup.

Venezuela Opposition Cries Coup After Courts Suspended The Legislature
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Opponents of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro accused him of establishing a dictatorship after the country's Supreme Court effectively disbanded the legislature.

The Supreme Court, controlled by Maduro supporters, ruled that the National Assembly was in contempt and took away its authority to pass laws.

Maduro's opposition controls the legislature, and many of its efforts to rein in the government were blocked in court.

Venezuelans Traveled Thousands Of Miles To Protest Their President
Venezuelans Traveled Thousands Of Miles To Protest Their President

Venezuelans Traveled Thousands Of Miles To Protest Their President

Thousands of Venezuelans marched in white during peaceful protests of President Nicolás Maduro's reign.

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The president of the Assembly tore up the ruling in public and accused the government of launching a coup d'état.

Maduro has been working to consolidate power as the opposition has become bolder. An effort to hold a recall vote on Maduro was suspended last year.