Maduro Not Immune to Prosecution in Narco-Terror Case, U.S. Says
Prosecutors say the couple cannot claim head-of-state immunity because Washington has not recognized Maduro since 2019 and the case should go to trial.
- On Friday, October 2, U.S. prosecutors filed a response in Manhattan federal court asking Judge Alvin Hellerstein to reject immunity claims from former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores in their narco-terrorism case.
- Maduro's defense argued he possesses immunity as a head of state, but the government countered that he and Flores are "former rogue officials of a formerly rogue state with no entitlement to immunity" under U.S. law.
- Prosecutors cited "absolute deference" to the executive branch's decision to withdraw recognition of Maduro in 2019; the U.S. now recognizes interim President Delcy Rodriguez, undermining the couple's sovereign immunity claims.
- Separately, a Manhattan judge will hear Flores' bond request on Thursday, though prosecutors oppose her release, labeling her an "extreme flight risk" in a filing submitted last month.
- The case remains on schedule for a jury trial on June 1, 2027, with Judge Hellerstein set to hear oral arguments on November 17, pending defense replies due October 16.
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This position formally answers the defense's request, which last month held that Maduro should be exempt from criminal prosecution for having exercised the head of state in Venezuela.
The prosecution refused to dismiss the case on the grounds of immunity, therefore the proceedings continue
<p>US says Maduro has no immunity from prosecution in drug terrorism case US prosecutors have said Nicolas Maduro and Celia Flores are not immune. They are accused of drug terrorism and conspiracy.</p>
Maduro not immune to prosecution in narco-terror case, U.S. says
Nicolás Maduro is not entitled to immunity from criminal charges, U.S. prosecutors said, countering the former Venezuelan president’s bid to toss the U.S.’s narco-terrorism case against him. Maduro and Cilia Flores — Maduro’s wife who also faces charges — are “former rogue officials of a formerly rogue state with no entitlement to immunity,” the U.S. argued in a filing in Manhattan federal court late Friday.
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