Venezuela's chief prosecutor seeks order to block installation of assembly

Venezuela's chief prosecutor is seeking a court order to block Friday's planned installation of a nearly all-powerful assembly to rewrite the country's constitution.

Prosecutor General Luisa Ortega filed numerous complaints to the Supreme Court contesting the constitutionality of the new body designed by the socialist government.

Those came before Sunday's vote to choose delegates, an election boycotted by the opposition and declared invalid by many international bodies.

Thursday's request was filed to a lower court, apparently in an attempt to circumvent the government-stacked Supreme Court.

The request is almost certain to be denied.

President Nicolas Maduro (pictured below) says the assembly will hold its first meeting on Friday.

Opposition forces say they plan large demonstrations to protest.

- AP