OAS bars Venezuela opposition MP

A Venezuelan opposition lawmaker has been barred from discussing the country’s political unrest at a meeting of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington.

Maria Corina Machado, a 46-year-old engineer, leads the anti-government protests in Venezuela. She’s accused of crimes including treason and offences that range from damaging state property to inciting civil war in the country.

In a violation of the OAS principle of non-intervention, the government of Panama had accredited Machado with temporary membership of its delegation to the organization in an attempt for her to be able to highlight what she described as state repression and violent crackdown on anti-government protests in the country during a meeting of OAS members.

However, a majority of member states voted in opposition to her appearance during a closed-to-the-press session.

The Venezuelan Ambassador Ray Chaderton said Machado’s presentation would have violated the organization’s principle of non-intervention.

Anti-government protests have rocked Venezuela for the past six weeks, leaving at least 30 people dead.

Ruling Socialist Party MPs have voted to ask the state prosecutor to launch an investigation into Machado’s activities and threatened to lift her parliamentary immunity.

“We will not permit impunity. We will ensure revenge for these deaths. We will ensure these deaths will be paid for,” said legislator Tania Diaz of the ruling Socialist Party, adding, “Anyone who violates the right to life is violating the constitution.”

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Friday that recent street clashes have inflicted some ten billion dollars in damages on the country’s economy.

Maduro said hardliners and opposition supporters were responsible for terrorist acts against public assets.