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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MIDDLE EAST
Belgium probes devastating Mosul airstrikes that killed 200 civilians after admitting its F16 fighter jets were involved.
Civilian casualties in Iraq, Syria undercut US victories.
Syria: Kurdish YPG fighters dominate Turkey-US talks.
Turkey will maintain military presence in Syria: army.
Syria's warring sides trade insults after Geneva talks.
Egg thrown at Saudi general in protest against military campaign in Yemen.
UN agency suspends Gaza missions after Hamas restrictions.
Israel blasted for approving Emek Shilo settlement.
ASIA
Malaysia, North Korea exchange 'hostages,' resolving weeks of tensions. Kim Jong-nam: Body 'arrives in Pyongyang' in exchange deal.
Park Geun-hye: South Korea's former president arrested over corruption allegations.
North Korea attempts to influence South's presidential elections.
China downplays tensions with U.S. as Xi prepares to meet Trump.
Blast rocks city in northwest Pakistan. Pakistani Taliban faction kills 22 in Shiite mosque bombing.
Russia resurrects interest in Afghanistan.
Foreigners in Japan face major discrimination, language not the problem – poll.
Japan's whaling fleet returns after killing 333 minke whales in Southern Ocean.
China's militarization in South China Sea harms reefs, U.S. scientist says.
AFRICA
UN renews smaller DR Congo peackeeping force.
ICC prosecutor warns on spiralling DR Congo violence.
South Sudan’s people are starving, and fighters are blocking aid.
Cholera spreads in famine-threatened Somalia.
Cameroon’s Anglophones call for secession or federalism.
Aid groups cut death toll from migrant shipwreck off Libya.
Zuma under fire for sacking finance minister. South Africa cabinet bloodbath exposes ANC generational divide.
EUROPE
EU rules out early trade talks with UK in Brexit process.
Future of Gibraltar at stake in Brexit negotiations.
Scotland makes official bid for new independence vote.
Russia is a ‘strategic competitor' to the west, says James Mattis.
Germany rejects US pressure for Nato spending rise.
Questions surround German government's refugee phone surveillance law.
OSCE to manage Serbia's presidential election in Kosovo.
AMERICAS
White House invites Congress investigation leaders to view documents.
Trump sets himself on collision course with China ahead of Xi meeting.
Venezuela 'coup' slammed across the world.
Venezuela's court move breaks law, Maduro ally says.
Bolivia's president Evo Morales to undergo throat surgery in Cuba.
Americans are increasingly blocked at Canada border - report.
Julian Assange waits for Ecuador's election to decide his future.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Video shows ISIS trying to bait US into killing civilians, military says.
Three suspected Al Qaeda members killed in Yemen drone strike.
State lists 5 terrorists linked to Islamic State, al Qaeda.
Danish court strips Islamic State fighter of citizenship.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Boeing's newest, largest Dreamliner jet makes first test flight.
Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos now world's second-richest person.
Trump to attack foreign 'trade cheats'.
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