US judge sets June 1, 2027 trial date for Venezuela's Maduro on narco-terrorism charges

Trial date set for June 2027

A US federal judge on Wednesday set June 1, 2027, as the start date for the criminal trial of ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. The decision came during a brief hearing in Manhattan federal court before US District Judge Alvin Hellerstein. Maduro, 63, waved to the gallery and murmured "Good Morning" as he entered, then sat with his lawyers and wore headphones for Spanish translation. Neither he nor Flores, 69, spoke during the 15-minute session. The date was proposed jointly by prosecutors and the defense, though the judge may adjust the schedule later.

Charges and potential sentence

Maduro faces four counts, including conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism and cocaine importation conspiracy. Prosecutors allege that he used his office to help smuggle thousands of tons of cocaine into the United States, sold diplomatic passports to drug traffickers, and protected drug shipments. Flores faces three charges. Both pleaded not guilty in January. If convicted, Maduro could receive a life sentence.

I am not guilty. I am a decent man, the constitutional president of my country.

Capture in Caracas

US Special Forces captured the couple in a nighttime raid on their residence in Caracas on January 3, 2026. The operation involved about 150 aircraft and helicopters and ground troops, according to De Standaard. Venezuelan authorities say 83 people were killed. The Trump administration described the raid as a "surgical law enforcement operation." Within 48 hours, Maduro and Flores appeared in the same Manhattan courtroom. They have been detained in a Brooklyn jail since then and have not requested bail.

Defense challenges legality

Maduro's attorney, Barry Pollack, who previously represented WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, plans to first challenge the case on grounds of sovereign immunity. He argues that a former head of state cannot be tried in a US court. If successful, the case would be dismissed. Pollack also intends to contest the legality of the military capture, which many international legal scholars have called a violation of international law. The defense may point to the US recognition of Delcy Rodriguez as interim president, suggesting that if Rodriguez is legitimate, then Maduro was also a legitimate head of state entitled to immunity.

Geopolitical fallout

Since Maduro's removal, Delcy Rodriguez has assumed the presidency and aligned Venezuela more closely with US interests, including opening the country's vast oil reserves to American companies. This realpolitik shift adds complexity to the trial, as the US now cooperates with the government that succeeded Maduro. ZEIT ONLINE reports that a separate civil lawsuit over alleged state violence is also brewing against Maduro.

Demonstrations outside court

Supporters and opponents gathered outside the Manhattan courthouse during the hearing. Some held signs demanding Maduro's release, while counter-demonstrators labeled him and Flores dictators. The scene reflected the deep divisions over the former leader's legacy.