Feb 20 • 19:39 UTC 🇶🇦 Qatar Al Jazeera

Brazilian President: Maduro's trial should take place in Venezuela

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva insists that any trial of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro should occur within Venezuela, emphasizing the need to restore democracy in the country.

During a recent television interview at an AI summit in New Delhi, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva asserted that any trial of detained Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro should take place in Venezuela, rather than abroad. He emphasized that the priority is to restore democracy in Venezuela, stating that Brazil cannot accept another country arresting a president from a different nation. This statement aligns Brazil's diplomatic stance regarding Venezuela and reflects its commitment to sovereign rights.

Lula's comments come in the context of a significant political landscape, where Maduro was previously detained by American forces in Caracas earlier this year and subsequently transported to New York, facing allegations related to drug trafficking. Lula's insistence on a domestic trial underscores the Brazilian government's position that legal proceedings involving foreign leaders should primarily be handled within their own jurisdictions, highlighting concerns over international legal practices.

Looking ahead, Lula mentioned he plans to address this matter in written proposals to U.S. President Donald Trump, anticipating a meeting in Washington next month. He underscored the importance of discussing issues like organized crime, emphasizing a reciprocal approach where Brazilians accused in the U.S. would also be tried in Brazil. This indicates a strategic move by Lula to navigate international relations while advocating for the rights of Brazilian citizens abroad.

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