Maduro Invokes Prisoner-of-War Status, Echoing Panama’s Noriega

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Carol RosenbergJanuary 6, 2026 at 08:53 PM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

In January 2026, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, recently captured by U.S. forces in Venezuela, declared himself a prisoner of war during his first federal court appearance in New York. Maduro's claim echoes that of former Panamanian leader General Manuel Antonio Noriega, who successfully argued for P.O.W. status after being seized by the U.S. in 1990. Noriega's designation allowed him to wear a military uniform during his trial and receive special accommodations in prison following his conviction on drug trafficking charges. While it is unknown what defense strategy Maduro will pursue, Noriega's case provides a potential precedent for seeking preferential treatment and challenging the court's jurisdiction, though the judge in Noriega's case ultimately ruled he had the authority to try the captured leader.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Caracas 40% Jon May ×240% Miami 40% Panama 50% New York ×250% William M. Hoeveler 50% Venezuela ×270% United States ×280% Manuel Antonio Noriega ×790% Nicolás Maduro (Maduro) ×5100%

Keywords

prisoner of war 100% nicolás maduro 90% manuel antonio noriega 80% u.s. forces 70% federal court 60% drug trafficking 50% defense strategy 50% geneva conventions 40%