Geraldo Rivera on Maduro's Arrest: 'Extremely Unpopular' and Compared to Noriega

Maduro's Arrest and Legal Status

• 🎯 Nicolás Maduro has been apprehended and is being treated as an ordinary criminal, not a head of state, following a "flawless" operation with no loss of American life.
• 💡 Rivera emphasizes that Maduro is considered a "dope dealing crook" and will not receive presidential or sovereign immunity, unlike a legitimate head of state.
• ⚖️ The key legal battle will be whether Maduro is recognized as a "head of state" or simply a "dope dealer," a distinction that will impact his trial.

Comparison to Past Leaders

• 🧠 Manuel Noriega is cited as a similar case, where the former leader sought sanctuary and ultimately died in prison, becoming a "footnote in history."
• 🎭 Rivera suggests Maduro might become another "El Chapo" if not for his claimed status as head of state, given the evidence of dope dealing.
• 🌍 Saddam Hussein is also mentioned as a leader who ended up captured and facing severe consequences, though Maduro is not charged with capital crimes.

Maduro's Unpopularity and Comparison to Chávez

• 📉 Nicolás Maduro is described as extremely unpopular, a stark contrast to his predecessor, Hugo Chávez.
• 🗣️ Rivera states that Maduro is not loved by his people, unlike Chávez, highlighting a significant difference in their public standing.

Legal Proceedings and Judge

• 🧐 The defense has brought in a lawyer known for representing Julian Assange, indicating a potentially complex legal fight.
• ⏳ The trial is not expected to start for another year and may face further delays.
• 🧑‍⚖️ A 92-year-old supervising judge has surprisingly kept Maduro's case, despite having the ability to assign it to younger judges, suggesting he intends to handle the complex issues himself.