Reuters: Top Venezuela official breaks with government, protests escalate
Venezuela's powerful attorney general on Friday rebuked the judiciary’s takeover of congress, breaking ranks with President Nicolas Maduro's socialist government as protests and international condemnation grew.
"It constitutes a rupture of the constitutional order. It's my obligation to express my great concern to the country," said Luisa Ortega, usually considered a key ally of the Socialists who have ruled Venezuela for the last 18 years.
While various prominent political figures have leveled criticism after leaving the government, it is extremely rare for a senior official to make such criticism. It may be interpreted by opponents that Maduro's internal support is cracking.
From early morning, several dozen students marched in Caracas to the Supreme Court, which this week assumed the functions of the opposition-led National Assembly.
They were pushed back by soldiers with riot shields.
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