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Gov't, opposition supporters to march at same time in Venezuela

Xinhua, April 4, 2017 Adjust font size:

Supporters of Venezuela's government and opposition parties will hold marches simultaneously on Tuesday in Caracas, after a clash between the prosecutor-general and the Supreme Court (TSJ) concerning the latter's decision to take over the National Assembly's powers before rescinding it.

Adan Chavez, the minister of Culture and a leader of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), announced a march for Tuesday in order to denounce "a coup attempt" by the opposition, which is demanding the resignation of TSJ justices.

The march will begin early on Tuesday and end at the parliament building, which is also where the mobilization called for by the opposition Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD) will end.

The MUD will march from Venezuela Square in the center of Caracas and move until the National Assembly, in a gesture of support for lawmakers who have begun a process to force the resignation of the magistrates.

Last week, the Supreme Court issued a ruling allowing it to take over the parliamentary powers of the National Assembly, claiming that the opposition-held Assembly had not been complying with judicial decisions.

The decision was roundly criticized around the region as removing the separation of powers and threatening Venezuela's democracy. Protests quickly built up as the opposition took to the streets and President Nicolas Maduro asked the TSJ to reverse the decision on Saturday.

Despite this reversal, the MUD lawmakers believe this was a "coup d'etat." They have said they do not recognize the TSJ's change of heart and believe the justices can no longer carry out their role.

According to the Constitution, at least 111 lawmakers out of 167, without counting three currently suspended deputies, must vote in favor of their removal. The MUD has 109 lawmakers in favor of the motion, according to the party. Endit