Nicolás Maduro is speaking out for the first time in court since his capture. The longtime Venezuelan leader and his wife, Cilia Flores, are being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. They are facing charges of narco-terrorism and alleged cocaine importation conspiracy. This was confirmed by US Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Nicolás and his wife pleaded not guilty in court on Monday, with Nicolás stating, “I am not guilty, I am a decent man, I am still the president of my country.” He and his wife are also facing a charge of possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and one for alleged conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices. Nicolás had been the President of Venezuela since the death of Hugo Chavez in 2013.
Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro was taken by Trump’s administration
Donald Trump had long spoken out against Venezuela. The US President reportedly carried out air strikes against the country that he says carries out drugs; while also alleging they stole America’s oil.
Nicolás and Cilia were captured in the early hours of January 3 before being flown to the US to stand trial. The two have been told they have the right to discuss their matter with consular officials.
The Venezuelan leader’s attorney in court on Monday highlighted the legality of what they claimed was the military abduction of Nicolás. The defence team is not seeking a release for him currently. The judge said they can make a bail application when appropriate. Barry Joel Pollack is representing the Venezuelan President in this matter. You may know him as the lawyer who previously defended WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.
Nicolas’s net worth in 2025 was estimated at around $1 million. There were both pro and anti-protests regarding him outside the courtroom in New York on Monday. With Nicolás on trial, Delcy Rodriguez will serve as Acting President of Venezuela.
Nicolas and Cilia’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 17.
TELL US – DO YOU BELIEVE THE CAPTURE OF NICOLÁS MADURO WAS JUSTIFIED?
