Venezuela Appeals to UN for Maduro's Release Amid Charges

On January 3, 2026, Venezuela's Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto demanded the immediate release of Nicolás Maduro, who has been in U.S. custody since March 2013 on drug trafficking charges. Maduro, 63, has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial in New York.

Gil addressed the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, condemning U.S. military actions that he claims resulted in 100 deaths and called for diplomatic channels to resolve differences. He emphasized Venezuela's commitment to reconciliation through a new amnesty law recently passed by the legislature, which aims to cover a range of charges and has seen 1,500 applications for amnesty.

Despite this, approximately 600 political prisoners remain incarcerated. The law has been criticized for excluding offenses against Maduro's political opponents.

Gil's statements coincide with discussions by EU diplomat Kaja Kallas about lifting sanctions against Venezuela, indicating a potential thaw in relations.