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[INTERNATIONAL] · United States, Venezuela · 100 sources

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Maduro seeks dismissal of U.S. drug charges citing sovereign immunity

The legal defense for ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro has filed motions in a Manhattan federal court seeking to dismiss criminal drug trafficking charges against him. Maduro, who was captured in Caracas during a U.S. military operation on January 3, argues that he possesses sovereign immunity as a head of state and that the court lacks jurisdiction because the alleged acts were part of his official duties.

Lawyer Barry Pollack submitted two motions: one requesting a complete dismissal based on sovereign immunity, and an alternative motion to dismiss only the charge of conspiracy to commit narcoterrorism. The defense contends that the prosecution is unprecedented and violates long-standing international law regarding the immunity of foreign officials.

U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein has set a deadline for the prosecution to respond to these motions by October 2. A hearing to address the dismissal requests is scheduled for November 17. If the motions are unsuccessful, Maduro, who has pleaded not guilty, is scheduled to go on trial on June 1, 2027.

Legal experts note that the case faces significant challenges, as the United States has not recognized Maduro as the legitimate president of Venezuela since 2019, and U.S. courts typically defer to the executive branch's determination of foreign leadership recognition.

Entities

Alvin Hellerstein · Barry Pollack · Cilia Flores · Metropolitan Detention Center · Nicolás Maduro · Nicolás Maduro Guerra · Nizar El Fakih · United States · United States · Venezuela

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9 days ago
9 days ago