Nicolás Maduro's head-of-state immunity is challenged because many countries, including the U.S., don't recognize him as Venezuela's legitimate president, instead viewing him as head of an illegitimate regime, allowing for charges like
narcoterrorism despite international norms typically granting immunity to sitting leaders. This lack of recognition, stemming from disputed 2018 elections and claims of fraud, means the U.S. and others see him as outside the normal protections for foreign leaders, treating him as a criminal figure rather than a head of state.
Key Reasons for Denying Immunity:
- Non-Recognition: The U.S. and over 50 other nations recognize Juan Guaidó (or another opposition figure) as Venezuela's rightful leader, not Maduro, since 2019.