Nicolas Maduro was apprehended by heavily armed Federal agents and led in handcuffs to a New York court after a dramatic capture by US forces. The ousted Venezuelan leader asserted his claim as the “president of my country” while protesting his arrest and pleading not guilty to federal drug trafficking charges on Monday. Meanwhile, his deputy Delcy Rodriguez assumed the role of Acting President in Venezuela amidst the political upheaval instigated by President Trump.
Maduro’s court appearance, his first since being taken from his residence and transported to the US, occurred amidst tight security and widespread protests globally. Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the urgent need for Venezuela to transition to democracy peacefully, denouncing Maduro as an illegitimate leader. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper discussed the importance of upholding international law with US counterpart Marco Rubio following Trump’s involvement in Venezuela, underscoring the collective effort to prevent further instability, repression, or violence in the region.
Outside Downing Street, hundreds of demonstrators demanded the release of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, chanting “free Maduro” and hearing speeches from figures like Jeremy Corbyn and Richard Burgon. Amidst the crowd, a few individuals desecrated a US flag, symbolizing their discontent with US involvement in the situation.
The scene unfolded as Maduro was transported from a helicopter to an armored vehicle before his court appearance in Manhattan. Supporters of the former Venezuelan president gathered around the court premises, while back in Venezuela, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as Acting President. The political drama attracted attention as onlookers watched a convoy transporting Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores to court after accusations of ‘narcoterrorism’ by President Trump.
At a ‘Hands off Venezuela’ protest in London, notable figures like Peter Tatchell and former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn participated, underscoring the global concern over Maduro’s capture. US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz described the operation to detain Maduro as a ‘surgical law enforcement operation’ during a Security Council meeting.
