The clatter of leg shackles resonated as Venezuelan President NicolĂĄs Maduro entered a New York City courtroom for the first time, proclaiming he had been 'kidnapped'. Before a full gallery of reporters and public spectators, he stated, 'I am here kidnapped since January 3rd,' speaking calmly in Spanish before an interpreter translated his words. 'I was captured at my home in Caracas, Venezuela,' he affirmed. Judge Alvin Hellerstein, presiding over the proceedings, acknowledged Maduro's statement but indicated that further discussion of his claims would occur at a later point.
In a tempestuous 40-minute hearing, Maduro and his spouse, Cilia Flores, both entered pleas of not guilty to charges related to drugs and weapons. With unwavering composure, Maduro declared, 'I'm innocent. I'm a decent man,' while Flores supported her own innocence. They were transferred to a New York jail following their arrest in a US-led raid on their Venezuelan residence, which coincided with targeted military base strikes. Both were dressed in blue and orange jail attire with khaki pants and relied on headphones to receive simultaneous Spanish translation throughout the courtroom proceedings. Maduro meticulously documented notes on a yellow legal pad, requesting assurance that he would retain possession of it post-hearing.
As Maduro entered the courtroomâinfamous as the site of Sean 'Diddy' Combs' recent trialâhe acknowledged several individuals in attendance with a nod. His demeanor remained stoic, even as a member of the public gallery shouted that Maduro would 'pay' for his alleged transgressions, prompting the Venezuelan leader to retort, 'I'm a president and prisoner of war.' Security promptly escorted the disruptive spectator from the courtroom, visibly distraught. The session proved emotional for many, including Venezuelan journalist Maibort Petit, whose family home near Caracas was reportedly damaged in the military operation linked to Maduroâs apprehension. Throughout the trial, Flores stayed mostly reticent, nursing injuries supposedly sustained during her arrest. Her legal representatives requested medical examinations, including an X-ray for potential rib injuries. Neither defendant sought bail, leaving them in federal custody for the foreseeable future.
Both Maduro and Flores traveled under heavy security, arriving and departing the courthouse in an armored vehicle.