Constitutional assembly takes over Venezuela’s opposition-controlled congress

CARACAS, VENEZUELA— Venezuela’s new constitutional assembly took over the halls of the endangered, opposition-controlled congress Tuesday and decreed itself superior to all other branches of government while prominently displaying images of the late President Hugo Chavez.

The order bars anti-government lawmakers in congress from taking any action that would interfere with the laws passed by the newly installed assembly, Delcy Rodriguez, the super-body’s leader, declared to unanimous approval.

“We are not threatening anyone,” said Aristobulo Isturiz, the constitutional assembly’s first vice-president. “We are looking for ways to coexist.”

Embattled President Nicolas Maduro convoked the constitutional assembly in what he contends is an attempt to resolve the nation’s political standoff, but opposition leaders insist it is a power grab. Since its installation Friday, the assembly has already ousted the nation’s outspoken chief prosecutor, established a “truth commission” expected to target Maduro’s foes and passed decrees pledging “support and solidarity” with the unpopular president.

Opposition lawmakers said they were barred from entering the golddomed legislative palace after security forces led by Rodriguez broke into congress late Monday.

Also Tuesday the pro-government Supreme Court sentenced a Caracasarea mayor at the centre of recent protests to 15 months in prison.