Maduro's US Trial Faces 'Landmines': Immunity, Kidnapping Claims, Classified Evidence

• Nicolás Maduro pleaded not guilty in Manhattan federal court to narco-terrorism, cocaine importation, and weapons charges, claiming he was "kidnapped" by the US military.
• The US criminal case against the ousted Venezuelan leader is unusually complex, intersecting law, geopolitics, and national security, potentially stretching for years.
• Key challenges include Maduro's immunity claims as a former head of state, proving conspiracy with reliance on cooperators, and handling sensitive classified evidence.
• Defense lawyers are expected to argue unlawful capture and head-of-state immunity, which could significantly delay proceedings, similar to the Noriega trial.
• The case involves risks with cooperating witnesses and the potential for "graymailing" by the defense to force disclosure of protected national security information.

Why It Matters: Maduro's US trial faces significant legal and geopolitical hurdles, promising a long, complex battle.