Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his spouse Cilia Flores displayed a strong stance during their appearance in a federal Manhattan courtroom today, with Maduro asserting his innocence by stating, “I am not guilty, I am the leader of my nation.”
Maduro, dressed in an orange shirt layered with a blue one and beige pants, and Flores, donning similar attire, sat a few seats apart as Judge Alvin Hellerstein, aged 92, presided over the arraignment hearing. The charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy and cocaine importation conspiracy, which also implicated Flores, were read out by the judge.
Defended by attorney Barry Joel Pollack, known for representing Julian Assange, Maduro stood to confirm his identity in courtroom 26A, declaring, “I am.” He reiterated, “I am the president of Venezuela. I was apprehended at my residence in Caracas.”
Upon being asked to enter a plea, Maduro, speaking in Spanish, maintained his innocence, stating, “I am not guilty, I am the president of my country.” He reaffirmed his integrity by adding, “I am a man of honor. I remain the president of my nation.”
Flores, as reported by Sky News, affirmed her identity as the first lady of Venezuela when questioned by the judge. In response to the charges, she asserted, “Not guilty. Completely innocent.”
Maduro requested a consular visit with Venezuelan diplomats, citing the need for medical attention for both himself and his wife. Reports indicated health and medical concerns, including severe rib bruising for Flores.
The court proceeding, lasting approximately 30 minutes, marked the initial phase of a protracted legal battle that may span months or years as the couple remains detained in the US. Maduro and Flores were escorted under tight security from a Brooklyn jail to a Manhattan courthouse earlier that day.
Maduro was transported via a motorcade to a nearby athletic field before boarding a helicopter that flew across New York harbor and landed at a Manhattan heliport. Subsequently, he was transferred to an armored vehicle, visibly showing signs of discomfort.
The indictment, comprising 25 pages, outlined charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of firearms, and related offenses against President Maduro, his wife, and four others. The couple’s capture followed a dramatic operation and was followed by a statement from US Attorney General Pam Bondi.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the next court appearance for Maduro and Flores is scheduled for March 17, with no bail offered to the defendants. Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, demanded Maduro’s return but later expressed willingness for collaboration and respectful relations with the US in a social media post.