Venezuela’s ousted President Nicolas Maduro is set to return to a U.S. federal court on Wednesday for a key hearing that will determine the next steps in his high-profile drug trafficking case, including a proposed trial date in June 2027.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are scheduled to appear before U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein in Manhattan, where prosecutors and defense lawyers are expected to discuss the case timeline and upcoming legal motions.
The hearing marks another milestone in one of the most significant criminal cases involving a former foreign head of state in recent U.S. history.
Trial Could Begin in June 2027
According to a joint court filing submitted Tuesday, both prosecutors and defense attorneys have proposed that the trial begin in June 2027.
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Judge Hellerstein will make the final decision on the schedule, and both sides have indicated they may request changes as the case progresses.
Under the proposed timeline, Maduro’s legal team would file its first motions seeking dismissal of the charges by September 2.
Defense Plans Immunity Challenge
Maduro’s lawyers are expected to argue that he is immune from prosecution because he remains the head of a sovereign state.
During his first court appearance in January, defense attorney Barry Pollack also suggested the legal team could challenge the legality of Maduro’s capture by U.S. forces in Caracas.
A second round of legal motions is expected in January 2027 after prosecutors provide classified evidence to the defense for review.
Charges Stem From Alleged Drug Trafficking
Maduro and Flores were captured during a U.S. Special Forces operation at their residence in Caracas on January 3 under orders from President Donald Trump.
Both were transported to New York after being indicted on charges alleging they used their positions in Venezuela’s government to facilitate cocaine trafficking.
The couple has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Maduro, who governed Venezuela from 2013 until his arrest, has described himself as a “prisoner of war” and has repeatedly accused Washington of seeking to remove him from power to gain influence over Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
The United States has long accused Maduro of corruption, electoral fraud and overseeing the country’s economic collapse.
US Sanctions Adjusted for Legal Fees
Maduro last appeared in court in March during a dispute over whether Venezuela’s government could pay his legal expenses under U.S. sanctions.
The issue was resolved a month later after Washington agreed to modify its sanctions to allow the Venezuelan government to cover his legal costs.
US Venezuela Relations Improve
Since Maduro’s removal from power, Venezuela has been led by former Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, whose government has sought closer relations with the Trump administration.
The United States has eased sanctions on Venezuela’s energy sector, allowing foreign companies to expand oil and gas operations.
Washington has also provided humanitarian assistance following two deadly earthquakes that struck Venezuela’s coast last month, signaling a broader improvement in bilateral relations even as Maduro’s criminal case moves through the U.S. court system.
With information from Reuters.
