Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to Make First U.S. Court Appearance
3 days ago
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is set to make his first appearance in a U.S. courtroom today, facing federal drug trafficking and narco-terrorism charges in New York.
Maduro and his wife are expected to appear before a judge at midday. The Trump administration has said the criminal charges justified a U.S. operation that brought Maduro to American soil. Maduro has long denied any involvement in drug trafficking.
His attorneys are expected to challenge the case, arguing that he is immune from prosecution as a former head of state. Legal experts, however, note that the United States does not recognize Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate leader, which could allow the prosecution to proceed.
The case has drawn comparisons to the 1990 trial of Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega, who was also captured by U.S. forces and tried in an American court.
Meanwhile, Delcy Rodríguez has been named Venezuela’s interim president and has demanded Maduro’s return, as international attention focuses on what comes next in the region.
Maduro and his wife are expected to appear before a judge at midday. The Trump administration has said the criminal charges justified a U.S. operation that brought Maduro to American soil. Maduro has long denied any involvement in drug trafficking.
His attorneys are expected to challenge the case, arguing that he is immune from prosecution as a former head of state. Legal experts, however, note that the United States does not recognize Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate leader, which could allow the prosecution to proceed.
The case has drawn comparisons to the 1990 trial of Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega, who was also captured by U.S. forces and tried in an American court.
Meanwhile, Delcy Rodríguez has been named Venezuela’s interim president and has demanded Maduro’s return, as international attention focuses on what comes next in the region.
