U.S. News
Maduro Faces U.S. Courtroom After Dramatic Arrest
Clear Facts
- Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, pleaded not guilty to federal drug and gun charges during their arraignment in New York City.
- Both were indicted on narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation, and weapons-related charges in the Southern District of New York.
- U.S. forces captured Maduro in Caracas, making this his first public appearance since the surprise military raid two days prior.
Nicolás Maduro, ousted Venezuelan leader, appeared in federal court in Manhattan on Monday after his capture by U.S. forces.
He entered a not guilty plea alongside his wife, Cilia Flores, in response to multiple charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy.
During the proceeding, Maduro frequently communicated in Spanish with his defense attorney Barry Pollack.
Maduro attempted to assert his innocence to the court, declaring,
“I am a decent man. I am innocent. I am still president of my country.”
Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein confirmed that a not guilty plea would be entered for both defendants on all charges.
Cilia Flores was notably reserved throughout the brief arraignment.
Maduro displayed anger when addressing a bystander in Spanish as he exited the courtroom, saying,
“I am a kidnapped president. I am a prisoner of war.”
Neither Maduro nor Flores requested bail at this session, but Flores’ attorney indicated a future request for her release would be made.
Both legal teams requested medical attention after the raid, noting Flores may have been injured during the operation.
Prosecutors informed the court that discovery material would be submitted within 60 days, and the next hearing is set for March 17.
Both defense teams agreed to waive rights to a speedy trial due to the complexity of the evidence.
This court appearance follows Maduro’s capture in Caracas during a U.S. military raid, which has prompted international attention.
Following these events, President Donald Trump stated his administration would take charge in Venezuela, saying,
“We’re going to run it, fix it.”
President Trump also left open the possibility of increasing the U.S. presence, saying,
“We’re not afraid of boots on the ground.”
He warned the new interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, of the need for cooperation with the U.S.
At a U.N. emergency meeting, U.S. ambassador Mike Waltz clarified,
“There is no war against Venezuela or its people. We are not occupying a country. This was a law enforcement operation.”
The process moves forward as both countries await the next steps in court.
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