Maduro pleaded not guilty in court in New York. What the media is writing
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro pleaded not guilty to any of the charges at the first hearing of his case in a New York court. The Venezuelan leader also stated that he considers himself not a defendant, but a prisoner of war. What the world's media write about this trial is in the Izvestia digest.
The New York Times: Maduro says he's a prisoner of war, and it matters.
Nicolas Maduro has declared his innocence on federal charges in Manhattan federal court. He insisted that he was not an ordinary criminal defendant, but a "prisoner of war." Regardless of appeals to international law or the immunity of the head of State, the court will consider the case on a criminal basis. At the same time, Maduro's refusal to recognize the court's jurisdiction may complicate the process, but it will not cancel it.
The New York Times
Maduro stressed that the raid by special forces on his residence in Venezuela was not a law enforcement operation, but a military attack. Maduro is accused of drug terrorism and conspiracy to import cocaine. On Monday, when the judge in charge of the case read out the charges, Maduro insisted that he was the president of Venezuela and that he had been abducted.
Such statements are unlikely to affect the outcome of the case. The status of a prisoner of war implies protection within the framework of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions. However, the American court considers the Maduro case as an ordinary criminal trial. The controversy surrounding Maduro's status reflects contradictions in US policy. On the one hand, Washington calls the operation law enforcement, on the other, it is conducting an actual military campaign against alleged drug networks in the Caribbean region.
Associated Press: Maduro case revives debate on immunity of foreign leaders
The Nicolas Maduro case in the United States has renewed a long-standing legal dispute over whether foreign leaders have immunity from criminal prosecution. The situation has been compared to the trial of Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega, who was captured by American forces in 1989.
Associated Press
As in the case of the Panamanian leader, Maduro's lawyers will challenge the legality of his arrest, arguing that he has immunity from criminal prosecution as a sovereign head of a foreign state. This principle is fundamental in both international and American law.
Maduro's situation differs from the Noriega case in that the Venezuelan leader served as president and his victory in the 2024 elections was recognized by many states, including China and Russia. Nevertheless, the position of the State Department remains crucial for the US courts, which considers Maduro a fugitive and had previously set a large reward for his arrest. Additional difficulties for the defense are created by American sanctions, which make it difficult to hire lawyers and finance the trial.
BBC News: how did you remember the Maduro trial?
During the 40-minute hearing, Maduro and his wife, Celia Flores, declared their innocence on charges of drug trafficking and weapons possession. During the court session, they listened to the translation from Spanish through headphones and recorded. Maduro called his detention part of a U.S. strategy to control Venezuela's oil resources, arguing that the charges are a cover for "imperialist plans." Flores had bandages on her face and forehead due to injuries sustained during the arrest.
BBC News
Throughout the meeting, he maintained a calm and impassive expression, even at the end, when a man from the audience suddenly shouted that Maduro would "pay" for his crimes. "I am the president and a prisoner of war," Maduro shouted in his direction in Spanish. The man was then led out of the hall in tears.
The United States accuses Maduro of conspiracy to commit drug terrorism, cocaine smuggling and weapons possession. The charges also apply to his wife, son and several high-ranking officials. The next court hearing is scheduled for March 17, and the case will be considered in the US federal jurisdiction.
Al Jazeera: Maduro's abduction provoked worldwide condemnation
The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting, during which the US and Venezuelan ambassadors exchanged critical remarks, and the UN Secretary-General expressed concern about the future of Caracas. The United States claims that it is not waging war with Venezuela, and defends the actions to kidnap Maduro as legitimate, accusing him of destabilizing the region and repression.
Al Jazeera
Members of the UN Security Council, including US allies, have condemned the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by American forces. Maduro himself stated in a New York court that he was a prisoner of war and declared his innocence on charges of drug trafficking.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has said he is ready to "take up arms" against the backdrop of destabilization in the region. In turn, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stressed that the United States must justify its actions, and international law remains the criterion for assessing the situation.
Reuters: U.S. capture of Maduro tests China's diplomatic ambitions
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that no country can be the "world police," stressing that the security and sovereignty of states must be protected by international law. China, which traditionally opposes military action without a UN mandate, called the use of force ineffective and leading to deepening crises.
Reuters
Xi Jinping called on all countries to comply with international law and the principles of the United Nations. He said that major powers should lead by example, without directly naming either the United States or Venezuela.
China's ability to provide material support to Venezuela is limited, and its influence will be mainly diplomatic and rhetorical. Maduro's capture was a serious blow to China's position in Latin America, where Venezuela has long been its closest ally. The situation also calls into question the effectiveness of Chinese initiatives in the field of global security and the reliability of Beijing as a strategic partner for the countries of the region.
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