Published on: 2026-07-23
Source: People’s Republic of China — Translation
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New York, July 22 /Xinhua/ — The trial of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores will begin on June 1, 2027. This ruling was issued on Wednesday by U.S. Judge Alvin Hellerstein during a 15-minute hearing at the request of defense and prosecution representatives.
The spouses, who pleaded not guilty to charges of drug trafficking and illegal arms possession, appeared in court in New York for the third time after their forcible capture by American forces during a military operation in early January.
The lawyer for the Venezuelan president, Barry Pollack, stated that he will first challenge the charge based on the fact that N. Maduro has state immunity, noting that if successful, there will be no need for further judicial proceedings.
On January 3, American military forces launched a large-scale strike against Venezuela and forcefully captured N. Maduro and his wife, who were taken to New York. The actions of the USA shocked the international community, provoking a wave of condemnation and serious concern worldwide.
During the first court hearing on January 5, N. Maduro pleaded not guilty to all the charges brought against him, including drug trafficking.
Since the capture in Caracas, the spouses have been in a detention center in Brooklyn. –0–
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