A U.S. federal court in the Southern District of New York has scheduled a new hearing for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores for June 30, 2026, as their high-profile legal case continues to unfold following their detention in the United States. The decision was issued by District Judge Alvin Hellerstein after a joint request from both prosecution and defense, extending pre-trial proceedings in the complex case.
Maduro and Flores remain in U.S. custody after being transferred to New York in early January 2026 following a controversial operation that Caracas has described as a violation of Venezuelan sovereignty. They face multiple federal charges, including allegations related to narcotics trafficking and weapons offenses. Both have consistently entered pleas of not guilty and maintain that the charges are politically motivated.
The court has suspended key procedural timelines under the Speedy Trial Act, with the consent of both parties, allowing additional time for preparation and review of extensive evidence. Judge Hellerstein noted that the interests of justice currently outweigh the need for an expedited trial, effectively extending the pre-trial phase into the summer.
Defense attorneys have emphasized the need for adequate time to prepare motions and respond to the prosecution’s case, particularly following earlier disputes regarding access to legal funding and sanctions-related restrictions. Those issues have been partially resolved after adjustments by U.S. authorities allowed for the use of Venezuelan government funds for legal representation.
While prosecutors continue to assert their case, no public trial date has been set beyond the June hearing, and the court proceedings are expected to remain closely watched due to their political and international implications.
