At a hearing held on Monday, January 5, in New York, Nicolás Maduro, the president of Venezuela, and his wife Cilia Flores, who were detained as a result of an operation by American authorities, made statements about their innocence.
“I am innocent. I am an honorable man, and I am still the president of my country,” Maduro stated, as reported by CNN. He also described himself as a “prisoner of war,” claiming that he was captured in his own home in Caracas.
At the court hearing, the couple was dressed in prison uniforms and wore headphones for translation. Despite the absence of handcuffs, they were in leg shackles. Flores, who called herself the First Lady of Venezuela, also stated that she does not acknowledge her guilt.
The couple's lawyers informed the court that they do not plan to request bail at this time but intend to file appropriate motions later. Maduro's attorney, Barry Pollack, pointed out doubts regarding the legality of how his client ended up in the USA. Flores' lawyer, Mark Donnelly, added that she sustained injuries during the capture and needs medical assistance.
The next court hearing is scheduled for March 17, and until that time, Maduro and Flores will remain in custody in New York.
The couple was taken from Venezuela by American special forces on the night of January 3 and transported to New York. U.S. authorities accuse Maduro of drug trafficking and illegal possession of weapons, while his wife is accused of drug trafficking and receiving bribes.
