In a dramatic first appearance before a United States court, ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, pleaded not guilty to serious narcotics and weapons charges. The couple, who claim they were unlawfully abducted by American authorities, entered the Manhattan courtroom on Monday showing visible signs of physical strain and injury.
Courtroom Drama: Visible Injuries and Pleas of Innocence
The hearing before Judge Alvin Hellerstein was marked by striking visuals. Cilia Flores, 69, entered with bandages on her forehead and right temple, requiring assistance from US Marshals to sit down at the defense table. Her lawyer, Mark Donnelly, informed the judge that she had sustained "significant injuries" during what the defense termed an "abduction" and would need a medical evaluation. He suggested she might have fractured or severely bruised ribs.
Nicolás Maduro, 63, also appeared physically strained. His attorney, Barry Pollack, noted the former president had health issues requiring attention but did not provide specifics. When asked to confirm his identity, Maduro stood and spoke in Spanish, declaring through a court-appointed translator, "I was captured at my home in Caracas, Venezuela. I am still president of my country." He later pleaded, "I am innocent. I am not guilty of anything that is mentioned here. I am a decent man."
Flores similarly asserted her innocence, stating through a translator, "Not guilty, completely innocent." She identified herself as the "first lady of the Republic of Venezuela." CNN legal analyst Laura Coates, present in court, observed that both defendants had difficulty sitting and standing and that Maduro frequently glanced at his wife, who appeared more withdrawn.
Background of the Case and Charges
The couple was taken into U.S. custody by the American military on January 3. They face charges including cocaine importation and weapons offenses, which they vehemently deny. At this initial stage, they did not contest their detention. Their next court appearance is scheduled for March 17.
The defense's narrative centers on an alleged unlawful seizure. Both Maduro and Flores maintain they were abducted, a claim that forms the basis of their physical injury allegations presented in court.
Political Fallout: New Interim President in Venezuela
The legal proceedings in New York have triggered immediate political consequences in Venezuela. Following Maduro's detention, Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as the country's interim President at the National Assembly. Rodriguez, who had served as vice president since 2018, took the oath "in the name of all Venezuelans" and signaled a new willingness to cooperate with Washington.
This development marks a significant shift in the political landscape, with the former head of state now a defendant in a foreign court while his deputy assumes control back home. The case continues to unfold, blending high-stakes international law with deep geopolitical tensions.
