An Argentine judge has formally requested the extradition of former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro from the United States, where he was detained by the US military last month and is now facing federal charges in New York linked to narco-terrorism and conspiracy to import cocaine.
The extradition request follows a legal case in Argentina that holds Maduro responsible for alleged crimes against humanity, citing his oversight of a violent crackdown on protesters and political opponents during his time in office. The lawsuit accuses him of systematic repression and widespread human rights violations carried out by Venezuelan security and intelligence forces.
The case file includes testimony from Venezuelan victims who allege they were subjected to torture, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance and other serious abuses. The charges were brought by human rights organisations in Buenos Aires in 2023 on behalf of victims.
The case is based on the principle of universal jurisdiction, a legal doctrine that allows Argentine courts to prosecute individuals of any nationality for grave international crimes, including genocide, terrorism and crimes against humanity, regardless of where the alleged offences were committed.
According to the Associated Press, Argentina’s foreign ministry is now required to formally submit the extradition request to the administration of US President Donald Trump. However, compliance is considered unlikely, as Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are currently awaiting trial in a Brooklyn detention facility on US charges related to alleged collaboration with drug trafficking organisations. Prosecutors accuse them of facilitating the shipment of thousands of tonnes of cocaine into the US over a period of 25 years.
Despite the uncertainty, one of the organisations behind the lawsuit welcomed the extradition request, calling it a major milestone for accountability and justice. The group described the move as an important step for Argentina, for international justice, and above all for Venezuelan victims who have spoken publicly about abuses.
An Argentine court issued its first international arrest warrant for Maduro in 2024. Following the US military operation that removed him from power on January 3, Argentine federal prosecutors asked Judge Sebastián Ramos to pursue extradition in order to advance investigations into alleged crimes against humanity.
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