By Ginika Igboke
Deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, appeared in federal court for the first time on Jan. 5, days after their surprise capture by U.S. forces in Caracas.
Both pleaded not guilty during a brief hearing following a four-count indictment filed by the U.S. Justice Department. The charges include narco-terrorism conspiracy, conspiracy to import cocaine, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess those weapons.
Maduro, 63, identified himself in court as Venezuela’s president while wearing a blue prison uniform. “I am innocent. I am not guilty of anything that is mentioned here,” he said through an interpreter. Flores, 69, also maintained her innocence, stating, “Not guilty. Completely innocent.”
As Maduro began to comment on his arrest, the judge interrupted and instructed him to stop speaking.
The case unfolds amid international disputes over Maduro’s legitimacy. Several countries, including the United States, do not recognize him as the winner of Venezuela’s 2024 election. U.S. officials have accused Maduro of leading a narco-terrorism network tied to drug trafficking.
Following his capture, Venezuela’s Supreme Court swore in Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim leader, a move that could affect questions of diplomatic immunity and how the case proceeds.
Defense Challenges Arrest
Maduro’s attorney, Barry Pollack, argued that his client is the head of a sovereign state and entitled to special legal protections. He signaled that the defense will file extensive pretrial motions.
Maduro also questioned the legality of his arrest, saying he was unaware of his rights at the time. U.S. officials have countered that he was properly read his rights during the operation.
Neither Maduro nor Flores requested bail at the hearing, though both asked to preserve the option to seek it later. Maduro also requested a consular visit.
Flores Seeks Medical Care
Prosecutors said the couple was taken into custody late Saturday morning and flown to New York the same day. Flores’ attorney told the court she suffered injuries during the capture, including a possible fractured rib. The judge ordered prosecutors to ensure she receives appropriate medical treatment.
Courtroom Confrontation
The hearing briefly turned tense when a Venezuelan asylum seeker in the audience addressed Maduro directly, telling him he would “pay” for his actions. Maduro responded by calling himself a “kidnapped president.” Court officers quickly restored order, and no arrests were made.
Judge Assigned to Case
The case is being overseen by U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein, a senior judge in the Southern District of New York with decades of experience on the federal bench.
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