Venezuela – Petitions the United Nations for the US to Release Maduro

2026-02-25 - 20:15

Venezuela’s government has formally petitioned the United Nations to demand the immediate release of former President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who are currently in U.S. custody pending trial on federal charges. The appeal came during debates this week at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, where Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto framed their detention as unlawful and politically motivated. Gil condemned the early-January U.S. operation that led to Maduro’s ouster and removal to New York as an “illegal military action” that resulted in significant loss of life and violated Venezuela’s sovereignty. He urged UN member states to recognize what Caracas calls an unjust punitive measure and appealed for Maduro and Flores to be freed. Maduro, 63, has pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges and described himself as a “prisoner of war.” The minister also called on the council to end unilateral sanctions and coercive measures against Venezuela and to uphold the equal sovereignty of all nations. He stressed that Venezuela is seeking diplomatic engagement with the United States to resolve their disputes, arguing that such engagement is necessary for regional stability and justice. Amid the intensified diplomatic push, Venezuela’s interim leadership has also been implementing significant domestic changes. The country’s National Assembly recently passed a sweeping amnesty law designed to free individuals detained for political reasons over the past two decades. The law has begun to take effect, with authorities reporting that more than 3,200 people — including former detainees and those previously under restrictive measures — have been fully freed under its provisions. Critics, however, have pointed out that the amnesty excludes individuals convicted of serious charges such as homicide, drug trafficking, and military offenses, and that many still remain in detention. The amnesty effort has been promoted by acting President Delcy Rodríguez and her administration as a step toward national reconciliation and a more inclusive political environment. While some opposition figures and human rights groups welcome the release of detainees, others argue the law’s limited scope and procedural requirements may delay justice for many. Venezuela’s appeal to the United Nations highlights the broader geopolitical tension surrounding Maduro’s detention: Caracas maintains it as an affront to international law and national sovereignty, while the United States asserts its actions are rooted in enforcement of serious criminal allegations. The dispute continues to shape diplomatic relations between Venezuela, the Americas, and the broader international community.