The legal pursuit of Nicolás Maduro is expanding beyond the boundaries of the United States. While the ousted Venezuelan dictator appeared before a federal judge in New York, the Argentine prosecutor's office made a significant move, formally requesting the initiation of extradition proceedings to prosecute him for crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Venezuela.
As reported by the EFE agency, Argentine prosecutor Carlos Stornelli filed a request on Monday to the federal justice system to demand Maduro's extradition from the United States. This request is part of an ongoing case in Buenos Aires based on the principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows for the investigation of severe human rights offenses regardless of where they were perpetrated.
The request was addressed to Judge Sebastián Ramos, who has already issued an active arrest warrant against the Chavista leader.
Stornelli described the situation as "urgent," considering that Maduro is currently detained on U.S. soil and needs to be brought before Argentine justice for an investigative hearing.
In his submission, the prosecutor urged for the immediate activation of the extradition process to bring the former leader to trial in Argentina, according to EFE.
International Legal Proceedings
This legal action in Buenos Aires comes just days after Maduro's capture by U.S. forces and his subsequent transport to New York, where he made his initial appearance before the Southern District court.
Accompanied by federal agents and using headphones for real-time translation, Maduro pleaded not guilty to the charges of drug trafficking and narco-terrorism leveled against him by the Donald Trump administration.
"I was captured, but I am still the president of my country," Maduro asserted before Judge Alvin Hellerstein, maintaining his claim to political legitimacy despite being under judicial custody.
His wife, Cilia Flores, who is also facing charges, stood by him and identified herself as "the first lady of Venezuela," denying all accusations.
Argentina's Judicial Background
The Argentine case dates back to 2023, when the Argentine Forum for the Defense of Democracy lodged a complaint for crimes against humanity against the leadership of the Venezuelan regime.
In September 2024, Judge Ramos ordered the arrest of Maduro, Diosdado Cabello, and other top officials, and requested Interpol to issue an international arrest alert.
The Argentine Federal Chamber concluded that the Venezuelan government executed a "systematic, organized, and prolonged" plan against its civilian population, involving persecution, abduction, torture, and murder.
Political Implications
The political dimension is also significant. Argentine President Javier Milei was among the first regional leaders to openly support the U.S. operation that led to Maduro's capture, labeling him a threat not only to Venezuela but to all of Latin America.
Understanding the Extradition Request for Nicolás Maduro
What prompted Argentina to seek Nicolás Maduro's extradition?
Argentina is pursuing Nicolás Maduro's extradition to hold him accountable for crimes against humanity, as part of a case grounded in universal jurisdiction principles, allowing for the prosecution of severe human rights violations globally.
How does universal jurisdiction apply in this case?
Universal jurisdiction enables countries to prosecute individuals for grave human rights crimes regardless of where those crimes occurred, which is why Argentina can request Maduro's extradition from the U.S.
What are the charges against Maduro in the United States?
In the U.S., Nicolás Maduro faces charges of drug trafficking and narco-terrorism, accusations brought forth by the Donald Trump administration.