Venezuela's National Assembly voted to begin a process that could strip an opposition lawmaker of her immunity from prosecution so that she could be investigated for alleged crimes related to anti-government protests.

46-year old Maria Corina Machado is a leading conservative firebrand and a signatory to the document that sought to legitimize the 2002 coup against the democratically-elected President Hugo Chavez (who not only beat back the illegal takeover, but went on to win the presidency two more times).  Not surprisingly, she’s been one of the loudest leaders of the anti-government protests in Venezuela that have caused at least 28 deaths.

“We will not permit impunity.  We will ensure revenge for those deaths.  We will ensure these deaths will be paid for,” said Socialist Party legislator Tania Diaz.  “Anyone who violates the right to life is violating the constitution.”

Machado, the representative of wealthy Miranda state, sat expressionless as her political opponents rattled off accusations including treason, inciting civil war, and damaging buildings. 

“I’m convinced that this attack against me is the product of a regime that's terrified by an unprecedented citizens’ movement,’ Machado later said at a defiant press conference.

It comes a month after the arrest of her fellow opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez.  After repeatedly failing to win national elections, the two encouraged the national movement of middle class and affluent protests against the elected Socialist government.