Anti-government protesters in Venezuela have stepped up their protests as anger boils over ahead of a July 30 vote on a controversial new legislative body.<br /><br />President Nicolas Maduro’s so-called ‘constituent assembly’ will have the powers to rewrite the constitution.<br /><br />Earlier the existing Opposition-led National Assembly which President Maduro intends to replace, voted to begin nominating alternative judges for Venezuela’s Supreme Court. <br /><br />They claim the judicial body is being used to prop up the government .<br /><br />Opposition lawmakers and the court have been at odds since the judges March attempted to dissolve the assembly and take over its legislative role.<br /><br />Meanwhile Venezuela’s president is facing a barrage of international criticism over his plans. Washington has threatened to impose sanctions and both Brazil and Colombia have sided with the opposition.<br /><br />Despite the continuing unrest Maduro is relying on his core support among the country’s poor and has adamantly rejected all interference.<br />
