Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Wednesday urged a US judge to dismiss criminal charges against him, arguing that he is protected by immunity as the head of a sovereign state.

"The court lacks jurisdiction over the prosecution of Mr. Maduro and must dismiss the indictment against him," his lawyer said in a document filed with the judge.

Maduro possesses both head-of-state immunity and immunity regarding actions taken in his official capacity, it said, adding that the Venezuelan president was falsely accused and "vehemently denies" the allegations.

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Maduro pleaded not guilty to all charges, including drug trafficking and firearms, in Manhattan federal court after the forcible seizure by US troops in a US military raid in early January.

He is scheduled to go on trial starting on June 1, 2027, if his effort to dismiss the case fails.