Maduro challenges the federal court
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro asked a federal court in New York to dismiss the drug trafficking and narco-terrorism charges against him.
Maduro’s lawyers challenged the court’s jurisdiction in a petition filed with the court. The legal team argued that the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela recognizes Maduro as the country’s president and that the court in New York therefore has no jurisdiction over him.
Couple held without bail in Brooklyn
Maduro, 63, and his wife, Cilia Flores, are being held without bail at the Metropolitan Detention Center in New York’s Brooklyn borough. The couple was taken to the United States following a US military operation in Caracas in January.
Maduro and Flores denied allegations that they carried out cocaine trafficking in cooperation with cartels. At his initial hearing, Maduro described himself as “an honest man” and said he remains Venezuela’s president.
Trial set to begin on June 1, 2027
A US judge ruled that the trial would begin on June 1, 2027. It has not yet been determined whether the defense’s sovereign immunity challenge will be accepted.
Maduro could face life imprisonment if convicted.