Maduro to argue immunity in November, trial proposed for 2027 in US court

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are slated to face trial in New York starting June 1, 2027, following a federal judge's proposal. The proceedings will first address the defense's request for immunity, a key argument being that Maduro's status as head of state at the time of the alleged crimes should shield him from prosecution.

During a recent hearing in the Southern District of New York, both Maduro and Flores presented a more robust appearance than in previous sessions. Maduro, though appearing thinner, displayed a characteristic demeanor, while Flores also looked well. This contrasts with earlier appearances where Maduro had shown signs of a limp, and the judge, Alvin Hellerstein, exhibited fatigue and a strained voice, prompting some legal professionals to question his capacity for a complex, lengthy trial.

Judge Hellerstein, a seasoned jurist appointed in 1998, is known for handling intricate, high-profile cases involving organized crime and transnational offenses. The proposed trial schedule, developed over a brief hearing, includes two phases for motions. The defense aims to have immunity granted in the first phase, potentially obviating the need for the second phase where prosecutors would present evidence from their concluded investigation.

The prosecution has until November 15 to compile classified evidence, with oral arguments from the defense scheduled for November 17. While both parties tentatively accepted the proposed dates, the defense's immunity plea remains a significant hurdle that could alter the trial's trajectory.