Lula da Silva on Nicolas Maduro
TL;DR
Lula da Silva strongly asserts that Nicolas Maduro, if to be tried, must face justice within Venezuela, not abroad.
Key Points
He stated in February 2026 that if Nicolas Maduro faces a trial, it must occur in Venezuela, not abroad.
The President firmly believes the matter must be solved by the people of Venezuela, not through foreign interference.
He criticized the precedent set by the abduction of the Venezuelan leader by a foreign power.
Summary
Lula da Silva has expressed a clear position regarding the legal fate of Nicolas Maduro, stating that if the Venezuelan leader is to face trial, it must occur within Venezuela and not under foreign jurisdiction. This assertion follows the abduction of Maduro by the United States, which the Brazilian President strongly criticized as a violation of national sovereignty. He emphasized that the ultimate goal remains the restoration of democracy in the South American nation, but the methods employed must respect fundamental jurisdictional principles.
He underscored a long-standing belief that individuals should be prosecuted in their home countries according to their constitutional frameworks, drawing parallels to legal disputes involving Brazilian citizens abroad. The President argued that the international community cannot establish a dangerous precedent by accepting the forcible capture of a sitting head of state by another nation. While taking this firm stance on jurisdiction, his comments also reaffirmed the objective of seeing democracy re-established in Venezuela, suggesting a qualified acceptance of accountability under Venezuelan law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lula da Silva's firm position is that Nicolas Maduro should face justice inside Venezuela if a trial is deemed necessary. He strongly opposes the principle of a foreign nation abducting and trying a sitting head of state.
His current stance emphasizes Venezuelan jurisdiction over international intervention, which aligns with his historical emphasis on national sovereignty in Latin America. However, he had not spoken to Maduro since Venezuela's 2024 presidential election, which Brazil did not recognize.
The Brazilian President stated unequivocally that if a trial for Nicolas Maduro happens, it has to be in his country. He sees this as essential to avoid setting a negative international precedent regarding national sovereignty.
Sources4
Brazil's Lula says Maduro should face trial in Venezuela, not US
Brazil's Lula says Maduro should be tried in Venezuela, not abroad
Brazilian president Lula says Maduro should face justice in Venezuela
Lula spoke to Maduro as risks rise of Venezuela-US conflict
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.