Maduro and wife seek to dismiss US drug trafficking charges citing immunity

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife are seeking dismissal of a US drug trafficking indictment on immunity grounds, Google News MT — Crime (en) reports.

Maduro and wife contest US drug trafficking indictment on immunity grounds

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife are seeking the dismissal of a US federal drug trafficking indictment, arguing they are protected by sovereign immunity, Google News MT — Crime (en) reports, citing CBS News.

The legal bid marks one of the most significant attempts by a sitting head of state to use immunity protections to block a foreign criminal prosecution. The indictment, filed in a US court, accuses Maduro of involvement in narcotics trafficking.

Maduro's legal team has argued that, as a sitting head of state, he cannot be subject to criminal prosecution in a foreign jurisdiction. His wife is named as a co-defendant and is pursuing the same grounds for dismissal.

The United States has maintained the charges, and the outcome of the immunity claim is expected to hinge on whether American courts recognise the protections claimed by Maduro's defence. No trial date has been set.

Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)