Venezuela Opposition Drops Symbolic Trial of President Nicolas Maduro

Venezuela’s parliament has delayed the symbolic trial of President Nicolas Maduro, which was due to take place on November 1.

Henry Ramos Allup, the speaker for the opposition-dominated National Assembly, said the decision was aimed at easing the country’s political crisis.

An opposition march on the presidential palace planned for November 3 has also been postponed.

Nicolas Maduro is accused of violating the constitution but claims lawmakers are attempting a “coup”.

The decision to delay the trial follows Vatican-sponsored talks between the two sides, and the release from prison of three anti-government activists.

Last month a referendum process seeking to remove President Nicolas Maduro was suspended after the government said that the vote was meaningless.

The president has dismissed the trial as invalid and has vowed to jail participants of any attempt to overthrow his government.

The rise in tensions between the government and the opposition comes despite an agreement last week to hold crisis talks.

Nicolas Maduro is blamed by the opposition for Venezuela’s dire economic situation. The oil-rich country is facing widespread food shortages and high inflation.

The opposition has been trying to hold a recall referendum that would allow Nicolas Maduro to be removed from office.