Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his spouse Cilia Flores displayed a strong stance during their appearance in a federal Manhattan court today. Maduro asserted his innocence, declaring, “I am the president of my country and I plead not guilty.” Maduro, dressed in an orange shirt layered with a blue one and beige pants, sat alongside Flores, who wore similar prison attire.
The presiding judge, Alvin Hellerstein, commenced the arraignment hearing by outlining the charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy and cocaine importation conspiracy, which also implicated Flores among others. Maduro’s defense attorney, Barry Joel Pollack, known for representing Julian Assange, stood by his client as Maduro affirmed his identity and presidential status inside courtroom 26A.
Maduro reiterated his innocence, stating, “I am a decent man and still hold the office of the president in Venezuela.” Flores, when asked to confirm her identity, asserted, “I am the first lady of my country,” and pleaded not guilty to the charges against her.
Maduro requested a consular visit with Venezuelan diplomats, citing his rights. Both Maduro and Flores were reported to require medical attention, with Maduro’s lawyer mentioning health concerns and Flores’ representative highlighting severe rib bruising.
The court proceedings, lasting approximately 30 minutes, marked the initial phase of a legal process that could extend for months or longer while the couple remains in US custody. They were escorted under tight security from a Brooklyn jail to a Manhattan courthouse earlier that morning.
Maduro, accompanied by armed guards, was transported in a motorcade to a nearby athletic field before boarding a helicopter bound for a Manhattan heliport. Subsequently, Maduro, displaying signs of physical discomfort, was transferred to an armored vehicle upon landing.
Following their arrival at the courthouse complex, it was noted that the couple’s indictment, including charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy and possession of illicit weapons, had been unsealed by US Attorney General Pam Bondi. Maduro and Flores had been detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn before their court appearance.
Their capture, described as a nighttime operation resulting in casualties, involved the elite Delta Force soldiers seizing Maduro and Flores from their heavily guarded residence on a military base. Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, initially demanded Maduro’s return but later expressed willingness for collaboration and respectful relations with the US.
The court scheduled the next hearing for March 17, with Maduro and Flores being denied bail.
