Maduro urges US judge to dismiss charges

NEW YORK - Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Wednesday urged a US judge to dismiss criminal charges against him, arguing that he is protected by immunity as the head of a sovereign state.

"The court lacks jurisdiction over the prosecution of Mr. Maduro and must dismiss the indictment against him," his lawyer said in a document filed with the judge.

Maduro possesses both head-of-state immunity and immunity regarding actions taken in his official capacity, it said, adding that the Venezuelan president was falsely accused and "vehemently denies" the allegations.

Maduro pleaded not guilty to all charges, including drug trafficking and firearms, in Manhattan federal court after the forcible seizure by US troops in a US military raid in early January.

He is scheduled to go on trial starting on June 1, 2027, if his effort to dismiss the case fails.