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U.S. prosecutors reject immunity claims for Nicolás Maduro
U.S. prosecutors have formally rejected the argument that Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, possess sovereign immunity regarding their criminal proceedings in New York. In a memorandum submitted to Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein, the Department of Justice asserted that the Venezuelan government has never requested such legal protection for Maduro or Flores in any pending U.S. proceedings.
Prosecutors highlighted a distinction between Maduro and Delcy Rodríguez, the interim president of Venezuela. While the U.S. government recognized Rodríguez’s immunity in a Florida civil case following a formal diplomatic request from Caracas, it maintains that no such request was made for Maduro. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of State does not recognize Maduro as the president of Venezuela, a position held since 2019.
Maduro and Flores, who were captured in Caracas during a U.S. military operation on January 3, face charges including narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and weapons conspiracy. While the defense has sought bail for Flores, the prosecution continues to push for the trial, which is currently scheduled for June 2027.
Entities
Alvin K. Hellerstein · Cilia Flores · Delcy Rodríguez · Nicolás Maduro · United States Department of Justice · Venezuela
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 6 SOURCES] U.S. prosecutors submitted a memorandum to Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein stating that the Venezuelan government has not requested sovereign immunity for Nicolás Maduro or Cilia Flores. comunicacioncontinua.com · canal44.com · digital58.com.ve · lanacionweb.com · laopinion.com · +1 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] Maduro and Flores were captured during a U.S. military operation in Caracas on January 3. canal44.com · lanacionweb.com · laopinion.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Maduro and Flores face charges related to narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and weapons conspiracy. canal44.com · lanacionweb.com · www.prensalibre.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The defense has requested bail for Cilia Flores pending a trial scheduled for June 2027. cubaenresumen.org · www.elnuevodia.com.co
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The U.S. government does not recognize Nicolás Maduro as the president of Venezuela or Cilia Flores as the first lady. canal44.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] The U.S. government recognizes Delcy Rodríguez as the head of state of Venezuela and has granted her immunity in a Florida civil case. comunicacioncontinua.com · digital58.com.ve · lanacionweb.com · laopinion.com · www.prensalibre.com