Venezuela opposition leader seeks refuge in Chilean embassy

CARACAS, Venezuela – One of Venezuela's most prominent opposition leaders has sought refuge in the Chilean ambassador's residence after being targeted for arrest by the Supreme Court.

Chile's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it had welcomed congressman Freddy Guevara as a guest, in line with Chile's humanitarian tradition. He entered the ambassador's residence in Caracas late Saturday.

On Friday, the government-stacked high court barred Guevara from leaving the country and requested the pro-government Constitutional Assembly strip his immunity from prosecution. The court said Guevara is suspected of instigating unrest and other crimes during months of anti-government protests that he led earlier this year.

Police vehicles had surrounded Guevara's residence and his whereabouts were unknown until now.