Key facts
- Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are scheduled to begin trial on drug trafficking charges on June 1, 2027.
- US forces seized Maduro and Flores from their compound in Caracas on January 3, bringing them to New York to face allegations of weapon and drug offenses.
- Maduro denies the charges and has characterized his capture as a military abduction and prisoner of war status.
- Maduro's attorney Barry Pollack intends to argue that his client is protected by sovereign immunity.
- A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for November 17 to hear motions from both parties.
Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are scheduled to begin trial on drug trafficking charges on June 1, 2027, a New York judge ordered. US forces seized Maduro and Flores from their compound in Caracas on January 3, bringing them to New York to face allegations of weapon and drug offenses, which they deny. Maduro has characterized his capture as a military abduction and prisoner of war status. Maduro's attorney Barry Pollack signaled that he will argue at trial that his client was protected by sovereign immunity. Judge Alvin Hellerstein scheduled a pre-trial hearing for November 17 to hear motions from both parties. The courtroom saw spectators lining up for hours, with some murmuring as Maduro and Flores entered. Outside, protesters condemned the US operation, while some Venezuelans supported the prosecution.