US Court Sets Trial Date for Venezuela’s Ousted President Maduro
US federal court schedules trial date for Venezuela's former president Nicolas Maduro, charged with narco-terrorism and drug trafficking.
POLICY WIRE — Washington, DC — A United States federal court has set a trial date for Nicolas Maduro, the former president of Venezuela, who faces charges of narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. Maduro, who was ousted from power in 2019, is accused of involvement in drug trafficking and collaboration with Colombian rebel groups.
The trial, scheduled to commence in early 2024, will be held in a federal court in Washington, DC. The charges against Maduro were filed by the US Department of Justice in March 2020, alleging that he and other high-ranking Venezuelan officials were deeply involved in drug trafficking operations.
According to the indictment, Maduro is accused of using Venezuela as a transit point for cocaine shipments to the United States and Europe. The US government has offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest.
Maduro has denied all charges, describing them as politically motivated. He remains in Venezuela, where he retains a significant political following despite being ousted from the presidency.
The trial is expected to draw significant international attention, given Maduro’s prominent role in Venezuelan politics and the complex geopolitical dynamics involving the United States and Venezuela.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
