AssetID: 55971959
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Nicolas Maduro Seeks To Have US Indictment Dismissed On Immunity Grounds
Caption: Nicolas Maduro Seeks To Have US Indictment Dismissed On Immunity Grounds. Deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro has asked a U.S. federal judge to dismiss the criminal indictment against him, arguing he is protected by head-of-state immunity. Maduro’s lawyers called the prosecution "unprecedented" and argued that foreign heads of state have enjoyed immunity from criminal jurisdiction for centuries. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were taken from Venezuela by U.S. forces in January and brought to the United States to face federal charges. Both have pleaded not guilty to charges including drug trafficking, while Maduro also faces narcoterrorism allegations. President Donald Trump's administration has characterised Maduro as an illegitimate ruler, but his lawyers argue he was at minimum Venezuela's de facto head of state. His defence also claims the alleged conduct involved official acts carried out through presidential powers and Venezuelan state institutions. Maduro’s lawyers cited the U.S. Supreme Court's presidential immunity ruling, arguing courts should not examine his motives when deciding whether conduct constituted official acts. Maduro and Flores are expected to stand trial next summer unless the judge dismisses the charges or otherwise alters the case. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Current Affairs & Politics,Nicolas Maduro,Venezuela,Cilia Flores,Donald Trump,head-of-state immunity,federal court,drug trafficking,narcoterrorism,presidential immunity,New York
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