Anti-government protesters in Venezuela have stepped up their protests as anger boils over ahead of a July 30 vote on a controversial new legislative body.

President Nicolas Maduro’s so-called ‘constituent assembly’ will have the powers to rewrite the constitution.

Earlier the existing Opposition-led National Assembly which President Maduro intends to replace, voted to begin nominating alternative judges for Venezuela’s Supreme Court.

They claim the judicial body is being used to prop up the government .

Opposition lawmakers and the court have been at odds since the judges March attempted to dissolve the assembly and take over its legislative role.

Meanwhile Venezuela’s president is facing a barrage of international criticism over his plans. Washington has threatened to impose sanctions and both Brazil and Colombia have sided with the opposition.

Despite the continuing unrest Maduro is relying on his core support among the country’s poor and has adamantly rejected all interference.