Captured Venezuelan Leader Appears in Manhattan Court After U.S. Military Operation
Ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro appeared in Manhattan federal court for the first time on Monday following his dramatic capture by U.S. forces in Caracas, declaring to the judge that he is “innocent” and “still the president of Venezuela.”
Maduro, accompanied by his wife Cilia Flores, entered the courtroom under federal custody, wearing prison attire and restraints. The appearance marked a significant escalation in the long-running confrontation between the United States and the Venezuelan government, raising profound legal, diplomatic, and geopolitical questions.
Maduro Rejects Charges, Asserts Presidential Immunity
During the hearing, Maduro repeatedly rejected the charges outlined in the indictment, stating through a court-appointed interpreter:
“I am innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man. I am still president of my country.”
His legal team indicated they may argue that Maduro is entitled to sovereign immunity, claiming protection from prosecution as the head of a foreign state. Defense attorneys also questioned the legality of his capture, describing it as a military abduction carried out without due process.
The judge advised Maduro that challenges to jurisdiction and custody would be addressed in later proceedings.
Wife Cilia Flores Pleads Not Guilty, Requests Medical Review
Cilia Flores, also charged in the case, pleaded not guilty to all counts and identified herself as the “first lady of the Republic of Venezuela.” Her attorney requested a medical evaluation, stating she sustained injuries during the military operation that led to her arrest. Visible bruising was observed during the hearing.
Both Maduro and Flores remain detained at MDC Brooklyn, with no bail request submitted at this stage. The court left open the possibility of future bail motions.
Charges Linked to Alleged Narco-Terrorism Network
The indictment accuses Maduro, Flores, and several co-defendants of conspiring with violent drug trafficking organizations over a period spanning more than two decades. Prosecutors allege the network facilitated large-scale cocaine trafficking into the United States.
Maduro has long denied all accusations, framing the charges as politically motivated and part of a broader campaign to remove him from power.
Protests, Political Fallout, and Global Implications
Outside the courthouse, pro- and anti-Maduro demonstrators gathered, reflecting deep divisions within the Venezuelan diaspora and international community. As Maduro was escorted out, he declared in Spanish that he was a “prisoner of war” and vowed he would be free.
The court scheduled the next hearing for March 17, as international attention remains fixed on the case.
U.S. Signals Broader Role in Venezuela’s Future
Following the operation, U.S. officials stated that Maduro’s capture was coordinated with law enforcement support and military backing. President Donald Trump later said the United States would temporarily oversee Venezuela’s transition, citing the absence of legitimate leadership.
Trump also suggested plans to rehabilitate Venezuela’s oil infrastructure, inviting major energy companies to invest, a move that has sparked intense debate over sovereignty, international law, and U.S. foreign policy.
Meanwhile, Venezuela’s vice president has assumed interim leadership and demanded Maduro’s return, calling the operation a violation of national sovereignty while later signaling openness to diplomatic engagement.
What Comes Next
The case against Nicolás Maduro is shaping up to be one of the most consequential international criminal prosecutions in modern history. Legal experts anticipate prolonged disputes over jurisdiction, immunity, and the precedent set by the use of military force to detain a foreign leader.
As the proceedings continue, the outcome will not only determine Maduro’s fate, but could also redefine how global powers confront alleged criminal activity by sitting or disputed heads of state.
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