GENERAL3 Sept 2026
Ex-Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, wife seek to end drug charges case on immunity grounds
Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores have asked a US court to throw out drug trafficking charges, arguing they are immune as a foreign head of state and first lady. They are currently held in a Brooklyn jail after US forces seized them from Caracas in January. A trial is set for next June, with arguments scheduled in November.
Key Statutory Highlights
- Maduro and his wife filed court papers asking a judge to dismiss the drug trafficking indictment on immunity grounds.
- Their lawyers say no American court has ever presided over the criminal trial of a foreign leader recognised as sitting head of state when charges were brought.
- They are being held in Brooklyn jail after US forces seized them from Caracas in early January, and trial is set for next June 1.
- Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein has set oral arguments on the dismissal motions for November 17.
Actionable Advice for Taxpayers / Founders:Business owners with international dealings should follow this case if it affects foreign-government contracts, but do not assume immunity applies in your situation; consult a lawyer for specific legal advice.
Statutory Disclaimer: TaxQue Shorts are AI-assisted editorial briefs for compliance awareness. This brief has not passed every source check; confirm the original notification before acting. This does not constitute formal legal or CA counsel.
TaxQue News Desk
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