Venezuela's self-proclaimed president faces prosecution

Mr. Guaido: Photo: Reuters

Venezuela’s Constitutional Council on April 2 stripped Guaido of his parliamentary immunity from prosecution. The move authorized the Venezuelan Supreme Court to continue criminal proceedings and possibly arrest the opposition leader on charges of violating a travel ban, inciting violence and plotting to seize power after declaring himself interim president on January 23.

President of the Venezuelan Constitutional Council (ANC) Diosdado Cabello made the announcement after lawmakers of the body voted.

“Justice is necessary to ensure peace,” Cabello stressed, saying the ANC’s move was aimed at ensuring justice was served in Venezuela.

In a televised meeting, lawmakers called for the creation of a people’s court to try those accused of “following US orders” and for their assets to be frozen. They also criticized Mr Guaido’s actions as “crimes against humanity”.

Before Cabello's announcement, Guaido still had immunity from prosecution as a lawmaker and leader of Venezuela's opposition-controlled National Assembly. The Venezuelan Constitutional Assembly was established after the 2017 elections. According toRT,Venezuela's National Assembly currently has no real power because government agencies do not recognize its legislative powers.

Currently, in addition to the Supreme Court, the Venezuelan prosecutor's office is also conducting a criminal investigation against Mr. Guaido.

Venezuela's political crisis erupted after Mr. Guaido declared himself interim president, a move recognized and supported by the US and its allies.

Meanwhile, President Nicolas Maduro's administration has rejected Mr. Guaido's claim, accusing it of being a coup plot and being directed by Washington. Russia, China and several other countries still maintain their support for Mr. Maduro.