Why US Denies Maduro Immunity: Unpacking International Law & Legitimacy
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News18•06-01-2026, 15:19
Why US Denies Maduro Immunity: Unpacking International Law & Legitimacy
- •The US denies Nicolas Maduro head-of-state immunity, not recognizing him as Venezuela's legitimate leader.
- •Maduro faces drug trafficking charges; US courts are pursuing his arrest and trial, citing fraudulent 2024 elections.
- •He claimed head-of-state immunity and later prisoner of war status in New York court, both rejected by the judge.
- •The US cited the precedent of Manuel Noriega (Panama), whose immunity claims were also rejected as an 'illegitimate' ruler.
- •International law grants immunity to active heads of state in national courts, but not for international crimes in international courts; ICJ/UN intervention is limited.
Why It Matters: US denies Maduro immunity due to non-recognition as legitimate leader and criminal charges, despite international law.
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