New York, January 6 – Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, brought to New York by the United States to face charges related to drug trafficking and terrorism, appeared before a US federal judge and declared his innocence, describing himself as a “prisoner of war.”
On Monday, under tight security, Maduro was presented in court for the first time. Through a translator, he stated, “I am a kidnapped President. I am a prisoner of war.”
US Delta Force troops arrested Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, early Saturday morning in a precise military operation at a Venezuelan military base, and transported them by plane to New York.
The court hearing was procedural. Both Maduro and Flores denied all allegations listed in the 25-page charge sheet and maintained their innocence.
Maduro said, “I am innocent. I have committed no crime. I am a decent person and remain the President of my country.”
Flores also addressed the court, asserting, “I am the First Lady of the Republic of venezuela.”
When Maduro began to speak about his alleged kidnapping, Judge Alvin Hellerstein interrupted, instructing him to only provide his identity in court.
Maduro’s lawyer, Barry Pollock, argued that questions about the legality of arresting a sitting president could be raised, citing sovereign immunity, and questioned the legitimacy of his military capture.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the operation to bring Maduro was a law enforcement action, not a war.
Maduro and Flores were placed in a federal detention center, conditions of which have drawn criticism even from the judge. Maduro appeared like an ordinary prisoner, dressed in simple clothes and accompanied by security personnel.
Entering the courtroom surrounded by US marshals, Maduro greeted everyone in Spanish, saying “Buenos días” (Good day).
Flores had a bandage on her forehead. Her lawyer, Mark Donnelly, reported she was injured during the arrest and may have broken ribs.
The main charges against Maduro and Flores include a narco-terrorism conspiracy, allegedly involving the use of Venezuela’s military and intelligence agencies to traffic cocaine shipments into the United States. This has led to accusations of terrorism related to narcotics.
They are also accused of possessing machine guns and dangerous weapons, and of collaborating with Colombian terrorist groups. Some charges carry the possibility of the death penalty if proven guilty.
Additionally, Maduro faces money laundering charges linked to drug proceeds, while Flores is accused of accepting bribes from drug trafficking gangs.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
