Venezuelan state prosecutors said Thursday they have asked a court to block the inauguration of a widely criticized new assembly that is set to replace the opposition-majority congress, alleging electoral fraud.

Attorney General Luisa Ortega's office said on Twitter the case was filed by two of its prosecutors, "based on suspected crimes committed" during Sunday's election to choose the powerful Constituent Assembly -- a vote boycotted by the opposition and widely condemned abroad.

Ortega has emerged as one of the most vocal critics of President Nicolas Maduro.

source: AFP