Newscast US-Venezuela: Maduro Faces Court
Jan 5, 2026
Lyse Doucet, a veteran BBC correspondent, is joined by Caitríona Perry, chief presenter, and Vanessa Busch-Schluter, Latin America editor. They discuss Nicolás Maduro's courtroom appearance in New York on narco-terrorism charges, his claim of being a 'decent man,' and the political theatre surrounding the event. The panel dives into the implications of U.S. actions, including the potential influence on Venezuelan leadership and the complexities of international reactions, all while contrasting it with U.S. interests in Greenland.
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A New Hemisphere Doctrine
- Lyse Doucet calls the US action a new, dangerous precedent dubbed the "Dunro Doctrine" by Donald Trump.
- It signals the US asserting freedom of action in the Western Hemisphere to protect perceived national security interests.
Power Of The Image
- Adam Fleming and Lyse Doucet emphasise the cinematic staging of Maduro's transfer to send a political message.
- The visual humiliation is meant as a deterrent: "See what's happened to him. It could happen to you too."
Court Appearance And Uncertain Next Steps
- Caitríona Perry reports Maduro and his wife pleaded not guilty and waived a full arraignment.
- A hearing date was set for 17 March but detention conditions and next steps remain unclear.