On 4/2, news agencies AP and AFP reported that Argentine federal judge Sebastian Ramos signed documents indicating that Argentine authorities are seeking the extradition of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from the United States. Maduro is currently detained in New York, awaiting trial following an operation in Caracas earlier this year.

Judge Ramos cited the principle of "universal jurisdiction," requesting Washington hand over Maduro for questioning regarding serious human rights violation allegations. This principle allows certain grave offenses to be prosecuted in a country other than where the alleged acts occurred. Ramos also cited the 1997 extradition treaty between the United States and Argentina for Maduro's case. Neither the Argentine nor the US government has commented on this development.

Maduro was transported to a New York court by helicopter on 5/1. Photo: *Reuters*

Argentine prosecutors received complaints in 2023 from Venezuelan exiles and the Argentine Forum for the Defense of Democracy (FADD). These complaints accused Maduro's administration of "human rights violations." Argentine officials had previously sought Maduro's arrest in 2024, based on these complaints. Maduro denied the allegations at that time.

Following the judge's order, Argentina's Foreign Ministry must send the extradition request to the United States. However, the US is unlikely to approve the extradition, as Maduro and his wife are entering the trial phase at a New York federal court.

Maduro's next hearing in New York is scheduled for 17/3. He faces charges of supporting drug traffickers who moved thousands of tons of cocaine into the United States. These allegations led US special forces to conduct an operation in Caracas to arrest Maduro and his wife in early January.