Attorney faces charges after defying govt

Attorney General Luisa Ortega's stand against President Nicolas Maduro has prompted speculation of a rift in the governing camp that could eventually lead to the socialist leader's departure.

She brought legal challenges against Maduro's plan to reform the constitution, which his opponents say is a ploy to cling to power. She also brought charges against judges loyal to the president.

The Supreme Court said in a ruling Tuesday that it was admitting a lawsuit against Ortega "for alleged serious errors in the carrying-out of her functions."

The suit was brought by pro-government lawmaker Pedro Carreno, who accused Ortega of lying about the judges.

His suit is a preliminary step towards bringing charges against Ortega and potentially removing her from her post.

Opposition leader Freddy Guevara said an attorney general could only legally be removed by the state legislature and that lawmakers would resist it.

The legislature is controlled by an opposition majority, but the courts have consistently overruled it in Maduro's favor in more than a year of political rows.

The opposition later Tuesday formally called on Venezuelans to disobey the government.

"The current regime has sidestepped the constitution, therefore its authority and decisions are unconstitutional," said congressional speaker Julio Borges.

"They cannot be recognized or obeyed by anyone."

Prosecutors say 74 people have been killed since April in violence during daily protests by demonstrators demanding elections to remove Maduro from office.

Maduro said Tuesday he was firing four top military commanders, including the head of the military police force that is accused of attacking anti-government protesters.