Chavez ex-ally loses immunity

Caracas: Venezuela's National Assembly, dominated by allies of President Hugo Chavez, has voted to lift the parliamentary immunity of an opposition lawmaker who is accused of striking a police official.

The vote late on Friday to strip Wilmer Azuaje of his immunity from prosecution comes as critics are accusing Chavez's government of targeting his foes with laws that are ignored when broken by his friends.

A former Chavez ally, Azuaje has alleged corruption by members of Chavez's family in their home state of Barinas — accusations the family has denied.

"I haven't committed any crime," Azuaje said on Saturday after 105 lawmakers voted for the measure to remove his immunity and six opposed it. Azuaje also argued a two-thirds majority for the full 167-seat assembly, 112 votes, was required.

Azuaje appeared in court on Saturday night and said he was released on the condition he return to court every 20 days while awaiting trial.

"All Venezuelans know that I'm getting a political trial," he told reporters outside the courthouse.