Venezuela's legal system halts work

The crisis in Venezuela escalated further yesterday when the supreme court announced that it was suspending its work, claiming that magistrates were facing political harassment and were unable to do their job properly.

Crowds took to the streets as the general strike entered its 10th day with calls for President Hugo Chavez to quit.

The supreme court's decision came in the wake of angry demonstrations by Chavez supporters against private television stations which have encouraged opposition to the president.

Chavez supporters attacked the headquarters of Globovision in the western state of Zulia, breaking windows and equipment.

They also demonstrated against Radio Caracas Television, Venevision, Televen and CMT in Caracas and local stations across the country.

Chavez and his supporters claim that many private stations are deliberately trying to provoke a coup and only reporting one side of the story.

Cesar Gaviria, the secretary general of the Organisation of American States, who is in Caracas trying to negotiate between the two sides, condemned the attacks on the television stations saying "such acts that put freedom of expression at grave risk."

The oppositon responded by demonstrating against the state television station in Caracas.

Vice-President Jose Vicente Rangel denied that the government had orchestrated the protests against the television stations. He said that state television, which is supportive of the president, has been harassed by the opposition forces.

"What's happening is that there is a type of media dictatorship here," said Mr Rangel in a radio interview.

"It created a very intense, very strong popular reaction, not against journalists or freedom of expression but against manipulation of the truth."

The US state department issued a statement saying that the Venezuelan government "must act to prevent further erosion of fundamental democratic freedoms and the essential elements of democracy ... and that, of course, includes freedom of expression and freedom of the press."

The announcement by the supreme court is the latest blow for President Chavez who is under pressure to hold a referendum or resign.

The economic crisis was exacerbated as Venezuelans started to withdraw their savings from banks, triggering fears of panic buying.

There were also rumours that the military was about to take over oil tankers which had joined in the protests.