Brazilian President Silva: Maduro should be tried in his own country

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, while in India to attend the 2026 AI Impact Summit, made a statement regarding the legal proceedings of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who was taken out of his country by the US in January. Speaking to the Indian press, the Brazilian leader addressed Maduro's trial in New York, saying, "What is important right now is the restoration of democracy in Venezuela. If Maduro needs to be tried, it should be done in his own country, not in another."

Silva added that Brazil cannot accept a head of state being detained by another country.

The Brazilian leader also made statements regarding the need for Brazilian citizens residing in the US who face various charges to be tried in their own country. Silva noted that he is considering submitting a written proposal to US President Donald Trump on this matter.

Silva also mentioned that he might meet with Trump next month in Washington, D.C., the capital of the US, and noted that he wants to discuss topics such as organized crime, drug trafficking, and rare earth elements with the US President.

Operation in Venezuela

US President Donald Trump had announced on January 3 that a military operation was carried out in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. As a result of the operation, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were taken to the US. Maduro and his wife were brought before the US District Court for the Southern District of New York on January 5 on charges of drug trafficking and weapons possession. Maduro had pleaded not guilty.