Nicolás Maduro Guerra, better known as "Nicolasito," took to Instagram this Wednesday to publicly defend his father after the third hearing of his case in a New York federal court, labeling the proceedings as "unfair."
The chavista lawmaker's statement coincided with a session at the Federal Court for the Southern District of New York, which lasted a mere 18 minutes. During this brief hearing, the judge tentatively set the oral trial to begin in June 2027.
"In light of today's unfair trial, the people's power raised its voice with one slogan: We demand the immediate release of President Nicolás Maduro and the first combatant!" Maduro Guerra proclaimed on his Instagram account.
What Maduro Guerra left out is that he is also listed as a co-defendant in the same federal case.
The Southern District of New York's prosecution included him in the indictment in January 2026, accusing him of allegedly coordinating drug shipments with FARC dissidents and using planes from the state-run oil company PDVSA for illicit cargo.
Despite the charges against him, Maduro Guerra remains a deputy in Venezuela's National Assembly representing the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV).
Chavista Support Rallies Amidst Legal Challenges
The deputy also attended a rally of chavista militants in a Caracas plaza, an event organized to show support for the accused. The gathering was also attended by Nahum Fernández, Vice President of Mobilizations and Events for PSUV, and Caracas Mayor, Admiral Carmen Meléndez.
Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were apprehended in Caracas on January 3, 2026, by U.S. forces and transported to New York. Maduro faces charges of conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism and cocaine importation, with potential life sentences.
Flores is charged with drug importation and weapons possession. Both declared themselves not guilty before the judge on January 5.
Legal Proceedings and Defense Strategy
The Wednesday hearing, previously postponed since June 30 due to security and logistical reasons, primarily aimed to establish the procedural timeline.
Lead defense attorney, Barry Pollack—notably known for representing WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange—indicated plans to request immunity for the defendants in November 2026, arguing that Maduro was serving as head of state and Flores as first lady at the time of their arrest.
This isn’t the first instance of Maduro Guerra challenging the proceedings. Back in March 2026, during the case's second hearing, he labeled the trial "political" in an interview with Russia's RT, asserting there is "nothing" to prove his father's alleged crimes.
Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, who assumed power following Maduro's capture, has not issued any statements regarding Wednesday's hearing.
If the defense fails to secure the court's acceptance of the immunity argument, the oral trial against Maduro and Flores is slated for June 2027, marking it as one of the most significant criminal trials against a former Latin American head of state in recent U.S. history.
Key Questions About the Maduro Trial
What charges does Nicolás Maduro face in the U.S. trial?
Nicolás Maduro is charged with conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism and cocaine importation, offenses that could lead to life imprisonment.
What is the role of Nicolás Maduro Guerra in the legal proceedings?
Nicolás Maduro Guerra, also a co-defendant in the federal case, is accused of coordinating drug shipments with FARC dissidents and using state-run oil company PDVSA planes for illegal cargo. Despite these charges, he continues serving as a deputy in Venezuela's National Assembly.
What are the potential outcomes if the defense's immunity argument fails?
If the defense's request for immunity is denied, the oral trial against Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores will proceed in June 2027, potentially resulting in one of the most significant criminal trials for a former Latin American leader in recent U.S. history.