Maduro Trial Set for June 2027 After US Capture

Former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, will stand trial in New York on 1 June 2027 after a US judge set the date during a hearing on Wednesday.

Judge Alvin Hellerstein also scheduled a pre-trial hearing for 17 November, when both the prosecution and defence are expected to present legal motions ahead of the case.

Maduro and Flores face US charges relating to alleged weapons and drug offences. Both deny the allegations.

Defence plans immunity challenge

The couple were brought to the United States after US forces seized them during a night-time operation at their compound in Caracas on 3 January.

Maduro's lawyer, Barry Pollack, indicated that the defence will argue the former Venezuelan leader is protected by sovereign immunity, which generally shields serving or former heads of state from prosecution under certain circumstances.

Heavy courtroom security

The hearing drew significant public interest, with spectators lining up for hours to secure seats inside the courtroom.

Before proceedings began, a court officer instructed those in attendance to remain seated and warned them not to speak to Maduro. The officer said anyone who failed to follow courtroom rules could face legal consequences.

Most people remained silent as Maduro and Flores entered shortly after noon, although some quietly reacted as they walked past.

Maduro, dressed in a beige jail uniform and not wearing handcuffs, acknowledged the gallery with a nod before taking his seat beside Flores at the defence table. Both wore headphones to listen to translations while their lawyers spoke with the judge.

At the end of the hearing, Maduro turned toward the public and gave a brief wave before US Marshals escorted him from the courtroom.

Protesters gather outside

Outside the courthouse, demonstrators opposing the US military operation that led to Maduro's capture condemned the proceedings, carrying signs reading "Free President Maduro" and describing the case as a "sham trial."

A speaker from the Anti-War Action Network accused the United States of attempting to extend its influence over Venezuela, Latin America and the Middle East.

Others welcomed the prosecution.

Wilmer Contreras, a 53-year-old Venezuelan who moved to the United States about three decades ago, described Maduro as responsible for destroying his homeland and said he fully supported the Trump administration's decision to capture him.

Contreras said the operation was something many Venezuelans had hoped for over a long period and argued it had changed the situation in his country.

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23 July 2026