THE ASSOCIATED PRESS I AP 360

Advisory
Nicolás Maduro Court Hearing
New York & Caracas | March 26, 2026

Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores are set to return to court on Thursday for a hearing that could shape how their drug trafficking case plays out. It’s their first time in court since their arraignment in January.

The hearing is expected to touch on several issues, including U.S. government sanctions that Maduro and Flores’ lawyers say are preventing them from getting paid. The defense has asked that the charges be thrown out. In addition, the prosecution and defense are likely to argue over evidence and scheduling, and Judge Alvin Hellerstein could set a trial date.

Maduro and Flores, who were seized from their Caracas home in January in a U.S. military action, remain jailed at a federal lockup in Brooklyn. Neither has asked to be released on bail.

Facilities Available
LIVE STAND-UP POSITIONS
The Associated Press | AP 360 is offering live stand-up positions at the following locations:

- Federal Court, New York
- Metropolitan Detention Center, Brooklyn
- Caracas
- Washington, D.C.



AP REPORTERS | CUSTOM LIVE SHOTS
New York, USA
AP's Michael Sisak is available for custom live shots in English.
Additional AP correspondents are available in multiple languages

Caracas, Venezuela
AP's Regina Cano Garcia is available for custom live shots in English and Spanish.

Washington, D.C., USA
AP reporters are available for custom live shots in multiple languages.


Contact AP New York for detailed info
bookings@ap.org

Eurovision News Events

New York, NY, UNITED STATES
16/03/2026 - 20/03/2026

A judge has ordered Nicolas Maduro, the deposed leader of Venezuela, to appear in court on 17 March for drug-related charges.

Eurovision News Events will offer live stand-up positions outside the courthouse where the hearing will take place. ENG crews and tailor-made facilities are also available on request.

For more information, please see: https://eurovisionnews.ebu.ch/news-event/politics/57984