Venezuela: Maduro threatens jail time for new members of the Supreme Court

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has threatened to imprison the new members of the Supreme Court, appointed by the opposition-dominated National Assembly.

Violence during four months of antigovernmental riots in the country has caused the deaths of 100 people, the injuries of thousands of others, while hundreds have been imprisoned. The economy, meanwhile, has weakened further in the fourth year of a deep decline.

“I am preparing that next week they will announce they will appoint a new National Election, False, Anti-unconstitutional Council, like these people who have appointed, who are taking control illegally, who will end up in brah one by one. All of them will end up in prison and all of their assets, accounts, everything. And no one will ever protect”

In a televised address Sunday, President Maduro also attacked US President Donald Trump and some Latin American leaders for statements against his plan to rewrite the constitution.

The right imperials believe they can give orders to Venezuela. The only one who can give orders is the people of Venezuela. This is where Venezuela's people decide. Foreign imperial governments and foreigners do not give orders here”

Venezuela's opposition has declared a two-day national strike aimed at putting pressure on Mr. Maduro to cancel the controversial June 30th elections for an organisation that will be tasked with reshaping the country's constitution.

Protesters in Karakik marched towards the country's top court on Saturday, throwing slogans denouncing Mr. Maduro's plan to rewrite the constitution. National Guard troops used tear gas on at least one occasion, blocking protesters.