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Nicolás Maduro seeks dismissal of U.S. drug charges on immunity grounds
Lawyers for former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have filed motions in a Manhattan federal court seeking to dismiss drug trafficking charges against them. The defense argues that both individuals are entitled to sovereign immunity, asserting that Maduro was the de facto head of state at the time of the alleged conduct and that his actions were official state functions.
Maduro and Flores face charges including conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism, cocaine importation, and possession of automatic weapons. The defense has also submitted an alternative motion requesting the dismissal of the specific narco-terrorism conspiracy charge, arguing the indictment lacks proper jurisdictional elements under U.S. law.
Maduro and Flores have been detained in a Brooklyn jail since their capture in Caracas during a U.S. military operation in early January. The U.S. Department of Justice has until October 2 to respond to these motions. Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein has scheduled oral arguments for November 17, with the trial currently slated to begin in June 2027.
Entities
Alvin Hellerstein · Alvin K. Hellerstein · Barry Pollack · Cilia Flores · Nicolás Maduro · United States · United States Department of Justice · Venezuela
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 21 SOURCES] The US Department of Justice has until October 2 to respond to the defense motions. correiokianda.info · www.excelsior.com.mx · www.lavanguardia.com · www.apuntmedia.es · oronoticiaspuebla.com · +16 more
- [● 28 SOURCES] A second motion requests the dismissal of the specific charge of conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism. correiokianda.info · primeraedicioncol.com · yucatanalamano.com · www.calibre800.com · tiempodigital.mx · +22 more
- [● 29 SOURCES] The defense argues Maduro is entitled to sovereign immunity because he was a de facto head of state during the alleged conduct. correiokianda.info · www.noticiaimpacto.com · primeraedicioncol.com · yucatanalamano.com · www.calibre800.com · +23 more
- [DISPUTED] The trial for Maduro is scheduled to begin in June 2027. correiokianda.info · www.noticiaimpacto.com · reporteconfidencial.info · www.excelsior.com.mx · www.newindianexpress.com · +18 more
- [● 29 SOURCES] Maduro is accused of conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism, cocaine importation, and possession of automatic weapons. correiokianda.info · www.noticiaimpacto.com · primeraedicioncol.com · yucatanalamano.com · www.calibre800.com · +23 more
- [● 22 SOURCES] A hearing regarding the immunity claims is scheduled for November 17. correiokianda.info · www.excelsior.com.mx · www.lavanguardia.com · www.apuntmedia.es · oronoticiaspuebla.com · +17 more
- [● 29 SOURCES] Maduro's defense filed two motions to dismiss the criminal case in a New York federal court. correiokianda.info · www.noticiaimpacto.com · primeraedicioncol.com · yucatanalamano.com · www.calibre800.com · +23 more
- [● 26 SOURCES] Maduro was captured in Caracas on January 3 during a US military operation. correiokianda.info · www.noticiaimpacto.com · yucatanalamano.com · www.excelsior.com.mx · www.newindianexpress.com · +20 more