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. This move authorizes 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 usurp power after declaring himself interim president on January 23.

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

“Justice is necessary to guarantee peace,” Mr. 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 tribunal to try those accused of “following US instructions” and to freeze their assets. They also criticized Mr. Guaido’s actions as “crimes against humanity.”

Before Mr. Cabello's announcement, Mr. Guaido still had immunity from prosecution because he was 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 currently 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 orchestrated by Washington. Russia, China and several other countries still maintain their support for Mr. Maduro.