Lula Advocates for Maduro's Trial in Venezuela Following US Capture

Brazilian President Calls for Domestic Trial for Maduro

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stated on Friday, February 20, 2026, that former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro should be tried in his home country, Venezuela, rather than in the United States. Lula made these remarks during an interview with India Today TV at the Artificial Intelligence Summit in India. His comments follow the recent capture of Maduro by US forces and his subsequent transfer to New York to face charges.

Maduro's Capture and US Indictment

The call from President Lula comes in the wake of a significant international event: the capture of Nicolás Maduro by US forces on January 3, 2026. Maduro was apprehended in Caracas during a US military operation, codenamed 'Operation Absolute Resolve,' which reportedly involved bombing infrastructure and an assault on Maduro's compound. He was then transported to New York, where he faces a superseding indictment unsealed on the day of his capture.

The US Department of Justice had initially unsealed a criminal indictment against Maduro and other Venezuelan officials on March 26, 2020, alleging a 'narcoterrorism conspiracy' involving cocaine trafficking. The charges against Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, include:

• Narco-terrorism conspiracy
• Cocaine importation conspiracy
• Possession of machine guns and destructive devices

Maduro and Flores were arraigned in a Manhattan federal court on January 5, 2026, where they pleaded not guilty to the charges. Maduro reportedly declared himself a 'prisoner of war' during his initial appearance. Following his capture, Delcy Rodríguez has been serving as interim president of Venezuela.

Emphasis on National Sovereignty and Diplomatic Context

President Lula's argument centers on the principle of national sovereignty, asserting that the international community should not set a precedent where a sitting head of state is forcibly captured by another nation. He stated, 'I am of the firm belief that if Nicolás Maduro is to stand trial, he should be tried in Venezuela, not abroad,' emphasizing a commitment to national jurisdiction over international intervention. Lula also drew a parallel to cases involving Brazilian citizens accused of crimes abroad, advocating for their prosecution in Brazil according to their own constitutional frameworks.

These comments come at a sensitive time for Brazil-US relations. Lula is reportedly working to finalize a meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington, tentatively scheduled for March. Discussions during this meeting are expected to cover various issues, including trade, organized crime, and drug trafficking.

Conclusion

President Lula's firm stance on Maduro's trial location underscores a broader diplomatic push for respect of national sovereignty in international legal matters. While Maduro remains in US custody facing serious charges, Brazil's position highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics surrounding the Venezuelan crisis and the role of international law.