Venezuelan congressman injured in protest

Opposition lawmaker Juan Requesens, center, is escorted by his colleague Jose Manuel Olivares, right, after begin injured by alleged pro government supporters as they protest outside of the Ombudsman's offices in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, April 3, 2017. A group of opposition lawmakers was attacked by suspected followers of the Government during a demonstration in the center of the capital that left at least one injured Congressman. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos) (The Associated Press)

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Opposition lawmaker Juan Requesens, center, is evacuated by his colleagues after begin injured by alleged pro government supporters as they protest outside of the Ombudsman's offices in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, April 3, 2017. A group of opposition lawmakers was attacked by suspected followers of the government during a demonstration in the center of the capital that left at least one injured congressman. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) (The Associated Press)

People accompanied to opposition lawmaker Juan Requesens, center, after begin injured by alleged pro government supporters as they protest outside of the Ombudsman's offices in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, April 3, 2017. A group of opposition lawmakers was attacked by suspected followers of the Government during a demonstration in the center of the capital that left at least one injured Congressman. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos) (The Associated Press)

CARACAS, Venezuela – Men wielding sticks and rocks have attacked a group of Venezuelan opposition lawmakers as they staged a demonstration to demand the removal of the Supreme Court judges who issued a ruling nullifying the country's congress.

The lawmakers were attacked by what appeared to be a pro-government group after releasing chickens outside the country's ombudsman's office in downtown Caracas on Monday.

Opposition lawmaker Jose Manuel Olivares said colleague Juan Requesens received a sharp blow to the face. Photos show Requesens bleeding from a wound above his eye.

The Supreme Court ruling threw the South American country into a political crisis last week. The decision was reversed on Saturday after heavy international criticism. Opposition leaders say the judges have to be removed to restore constitutional order in the economically embattled country.