Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to face trial next June
Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are set to stand trial in New York in June 2027 following their capture by US forces. Maduro faces charges related to weapons and drug offenses, while his defense team plans to argue for sovereign immunity.
Why it matters
The trial represents a significant legal and diplomatic precedent regarding the prosecution of former heads of state by foreign powers.
Image source, Getty Images By Kayla Epstein in New York court Published 15 minutes ago The trial of ousted Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, is scheduled to begin on 1 June 2027, a New York judge ordered on Wednesday.
US forces seized Maduro and Flores from their compound in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, in a dramatic, night-time raid on 3 January, and brought them to New York to face allegations of weapon and drug offences, which they deny.
Judge Alvin Hellerstein scheduled a pre-trial hearing for 17 November to hear motions from both parties.
Maduro's attorney Barry Pollack signalled that he will argue at trial that his client was protected by sovereign immunity, a legal principle shielding heads of state from prosecution.
The courtroom was packed with spectators, with some people lining up for hours for the chance to glimpse Maduro in person.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in