Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, made their first appearance in Manhattan federal court on Monday following their capture by U.S. forces in a military operation in Caracas, Venezuela, reports Baltimore Chronicle. Maduro declared his innocence and insisted he remains the legitimate president of Venezuela, while his attorney suggested that he might claim protection from prosecution under the principle of sovereign immunity. Attorney Barry Pollack noted that questions regarding the legality of Maduro’s military abduction would be addressed later.
Maduro and Flores, currently held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, appeared before Judge Alvin Hellerstein at noon. Maduro greeted those in the courtroom with a “Buenos dias” and was escorted in handcuffs and wearing orange jail slippers, seated two places away from his wife. Both used court-provided headphones to follow proceedings in their language. Maduro immediately began taking notes upon sitting next to his lawyer, while Flores sat with her attorney, Mark Donnelly.
During the hearing, Judge Hellerstein asked Maduro to confirm his identity. Through an interpreter, he declared, “I am the president of Venezuela,” and added that he had been captured at his home in Caracas. The judge informed him that challenges to his custody could be made at a later time. Maduro acknowledged his identity, and the court read him his legal rights, which he said he was hearing for the first time. When asked to plead to the indictment, Maduro responded, “I am innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man. I am still president of my country.”
Maduro’s plea came amid a U.S. government stance that he is not the legitimate president. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Biden administration have both rejected Maduro’s presidency, the latter offering a $25 million reward for his arrest in January 2025. Maduro repeated his plea of innocence when asked to confirm it.
Judge Hellerstein then addressed Flores, who identified herself as the First Lady of Venezuela. She confirmed that she understood her rights to remain silent and to have legal representation, and she pleaded “not guilty” to three counts in the indictment. The judge also informed the couple of their right to consult with Venezuelan consular officials, which Maduro affirmed they intended to do. Neither requested bail, though the judge noted a future application would be considered; both will remain in federal custody at MDC-Brooklyn.
Flores reportedly sustained injuries during the U.S. operation, with her attorney stating she may have a fracture or significant bruising on her ribs. As Maduro exited the courtroom, he responded to a bystander who shouted in Spanish, asserting he is the elected president and a prisoner of war who will regain freedom. Their next scheduled court date is March 17.
Outside the courthouse, protests occurred with opposing views: some demonstrators called for Maduro’s release, while others supported his apprehension. Maduro and Flores are among six defendants named in a superseding indictment accusing them of conspiring with violent drug traffickers over the past 25 years. The other defendants include Maduro’s son, two senior Venezuelan officials, and an alleged leader of the Tren de Aragua criminal gang. Maduro has consistently denied all allegations.
Former President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. executed a large-scale operation resulting in Maduro and Flores being captured and transported from Venezuela. He described the operation as coordinated with U.S. law enforcement, potentially supported by military units including Delta Force. Trump further claimed that the U.S. would temporarily manage Venezuela’s affairs, overseeing investment and governance efforts.
Meanwhile, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has been sworn in as interim leader, condemning Maduro’s capture as a “kidnapping” and asserting Venezuela’s sovereignty. Rodriguez initially posted conciliatory statements on social media, suggesting potential cooperation with the U.S. within international law, while maintaining a strong stance against foreign interference.
Earlier we wrote about Trump Clarifies He Received CT Scan, Not MRI, During October Walter Reed Visit.
