Maduro asks US judge to toss drug case, invoking head-of-state immunity
Nicolas Maduro petitioned a Manhattan federal judge to dismiss U.S. drug-trafficking charges, arguing that his status as a sovereign leader shields him from prosecution.
Nicolas Maduro, ousted from Venezuela’s presidency, has asked a Manhattan federal court to throw out criminal drug-trafficking charges, asserting that international law protects sitting heads of state from foreign prosecution. He addressed U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein, emphasizing that the principle of sovereign immunity is essential to diplomatic relations. The indictment originated after a U.S. military operation in January seized Maduro in Caracas, and he has entered a not-guilty plea with a trial slated for June 2027 if the dismissal fails.
Washington has not recognized Maduro since 2019, and U.S. courts typically defer to the recognized government when determining a foreign leader’s status. Past cases, such as the 1990 denial of immunity for former Panamanian ruler Manuel Noriega, suggest a challenging path for Maduro. Prosecutors have until October 2 to respond, and a dismissal hearing is scheduled for November 17. The outcome could shape how U.S. courts handle criminal accusations against foreign officials.
Why it matters
The ruling could set a precedent for prosecuting foreign leaders in U.S. criminal courts.
How this story developed
- Aug 28 U.S. Negotiates Long-Term Lease of Venezuelan Oil Fields to Cut Import Costs
- Aug 28 The White House has referred inquiries about the proposed deal to the Energy Department.
- Aug 29 Trump announced a partnership granting the United States a 55% effective output share in Venezuelan oil fields.
- Aug 30 The first publicly shared photographs of Nicolas Maduro since his January abduction were uploaded to his X account. The pictures show the former president detained by U.S. officials as he prepares for a trial on narco-terrorism and drug-trafficking accusations. The post was framed as a tribute to his grandchildren and supporters.
- Aug 31 Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced a 25‑year bilateral energy project granting the United States majority control of more than 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan reserves.
- Aug 31 Trump said the deal will allow the United States to top up its Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
- Aug 31 The partnership was described as a 25‑year joint venture targeting 1.5 million barrels per day and projected to generate about $209 billion for Venezuela, with the United States holding a 55 percent interest and a 35 percent passive stake in the private partner.
- Sep 1 Pentagon’s Office of Strategic Capital joins the Venezuelan oil venture.
- Sep 2 U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright scheduled a visit to Venezuela to discuss the oil partnership.
- Sep 2 Chevron announced plans to expand its Venezuelan oil footprint, receiving extra acreage in the Orinoco Belt and targeting over $7 billion in investment to lift output to roughly 600,000 barrels per day.
- Sep 2 The administration revealed a $100 billion proposal that includes a disputed 35 % Pentagon equity stake and a 100‑year lease for the private partner.
- Sep 2 Chevron added two new Carabobo blocks to its joint venture in the Orinoco Belt.
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