By Micah Jonah, February 21, 2026
Brazilian President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has said that Venezuela’s former leader Nicolás Maduro should face trial in his home country rather than abroad, in comments highlighting regional concerns over sovereignty and foreign intervention.
Speaking during an interview while attending an international summit in India, Lula argued that any legal process for Maduro should occur in Venezuela and be decided by its people, rather than in the United States, where Maduro is currently being held following his capture in a US military operation earlier this year.
Lula stressed that the priority must be to restore democracy in Venezuela while respecting national jurisdiction. “What matters now is to re-establish democracy in Venezuela,” he said, and added that external interference in another nation’s internal affairs sets a dangerous precedent.
The Brazilian leader also signalled plans to raise related issues during upcoming discussions with US President Donald Trump, including cooperation on organized crime, drug trafficking and trade matters. Lula has emphasized the importance of diplomatic engagement and respect for national legal processes as tensions over Venezuela’s future continue to shape regional relations.
Maduro, who was taken to New York in January following his capture in Caracas, faces serious charges in the United States. Lula’s position reflects broader Latin American concerns over foreign judicial involvement in the affairs of sovereign nations.
