Venezuela’s opposition-controlled Congress has opened a political trial against President Nicolas Maduro for breaking the country’s constitutional order.

The move was widely expected after lawmakers declared themselves in open rebellion following the suspension last week of a recall referendum seeking Maduro’s removal. But it’s unlikely to have any legal effect as the government-stacked Supreme Court has already invalidated all legislation emerging from the National Assembly.

In Tuesday’s vote, lawmakers ordered Maduro to appear before congress next week to defend himself.
…