Nicolás Maduro Appears in New York Court as a Captive

Maduro's Statements Before the Judge

Nicolás Maduro, the leader of Venezuela, was brought before a judge during a dramatic hearing in New York, where he declared that he had been "kidnapped." Upon his arrival in the courtroom, the sound of handcuffs was audible, and he claimed that he has been in captivity since January 3rd.

Judge Alvin Hellerstein asked him to confirm his identity before proceedings could begin. "I am Nicolás Maduro, the President of the Republic of Venezuela, and I am here kidnapped," he said, translated by an interpreter. The judge quickly intervened, stating that there would be a "time and place" to discuss these details.

Charges and Pleas of Innocence

During the 40-minute hearing, Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, pleaded not guilty to charges of drug trafficking and illegal possession of weapons. "I am innocent. I am a decent man," stated Maduro, while his wife claimed she is "completely innocent."

The couple was arrested by U.S. forces at their residence in Venezuela and transferred to a prison in New York, where they appeared in detention uniforms. At the end of the hearing, a man in the audience shouted that Maduro would "pay" for his crimes, to which he responded: "I am a kidnapped president and a war prisoner."

Flores' Medical Situation

Cilia Flores was seen with bandages on her face, and her attorneys requested appropriate medical care. Maduro and Flores did not request bail during the hearing, but they may do so at a later date, hence remaining in federal custody.

These actions have been criticized by both friends and foes of the U.S., with the next hearing scheduled for March 17th.