Maduro Claims Immunity in Bid to Dismiss US Drug Charges

Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has asked a US judge to dismiss drug trafficking charges against him, arguing that he is immune from prosecution as the head of a sovereign state.

The charges formed the basis for the US military raid on Caracas on 3 January in which Maduro was captured. He has been held in a federal jail in Brooklyn since then and has pleaded not guilty. If his bid fails, his trial is scheduled to begin on 1 June 2027.

Defense lawyer Barry Pollack argues that the court lacks jurisdiction because sitting foreign heads of state enjoy absolute immunity and because the alleged acts were part of Maduro’s official duties. Legal experts say his chances are slim, however, as Washington has not recognized him as Venezuela’s president since 2019 and called his 2024 reelection fraudulent. Maduro maintains that both elections were fair.

Since his capture, Venezuela has been run by Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, who has increased cooperation with the Trump administration. Pollack argues that it is contradictory for Washington to recognize Rodríguez, who was appointed by Maduro, while denying Maduro’s legitimacy.

Prosecutors have until 2 October to respond to Maduro’s motion. Judge Alvin Hellerstein will hold a hearing on 17 November.

(Reuters, bak)