Venezuela’s self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaidó says he is on his way back to Venezuela despite the risk of being arrested upon arrival.
In a recording posted on his Twitter account, he said: “Venezuelan brothers and sisters, the moment you hear this message I will be on my way back home.”
He also called on Venezuelans to join anti-government protests planned for Monday and Tuesday.
Mr Guaidó has called on President Nicolás Maduro to resign.
The two men have been at loggerheads for more than a month. While Mr Guaidó has been recognised by more than 50 countries, Mr Maduro, who is backed by China, Russia and Cuba, insists he is the only legitimate president.
After Mr Guaidó proclaimed himself interim president on 23 January, Venezuela’s Supreme Court – which is dominated by loyalists of President Maduro – placed a travel ban on the opposition leader.
Mr Guaidó defied that to attend a fund-raising concert in Colombia on 22 February organised by billionaire Richard Branson.
Mr Guaidó also led efforts to try to bring humanitarian aid, mainly donated by the US, into Venezuela. The government of Mr Maduro rejected the aid, arguing it was part of a US plot to overthrow him.
The president ordered the closure of borders with Colombia and Brazil. Soldiers blocked the aid trucks, leading to clashes that left at least five dead.
Flouting the travel ban imposed by Venezuela’s highest court is likely to get Mr Guaidó into trouble.
President Maduro has hinted at such. “He can’t come and go, the justice system had banned him from leaving the country. I respect the laws,” he told ABC last week.
