By Hakeem Oduyoye
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro appeared in a federal court in Manhattan on Monday after being captured in Caracas over the weekend, in a move that has shocked the world and drawn intense global attention.
Maduro entered the courtroom wearing ankle shackles, but without handcuffs. He greeted the gallery with a cheerful “Happy new year!” in English before taking his seat. His wife, Cilia Flores, who also appeared in court, showed visible injuries, including Band-Aids on her temple and forehead. Both were dressed in brightly colored clothing, standing out in the courtroom.
The arraignment, filed by the US Department of Justice, charges Maduro and his wife with narco-terrorism. The couple used headphones for translation during the proceedings, and Maduro frequently glanced at his indictment, taking notes. He pleaded not guilty, asserting he was innocent in both Spanish and English.
During the hearing, Maduro repeatedly declared he is the constitutional president of Venezuela, describing his capture as a kidnapping on January 3. The judge, Alvin Hellerstein, reminded him that political arguments would be addressed later, asking him to confirm his identity multiple times.
Neither Maduro nor Flores requested bail, though their attorneys reserved the right to do so in the future. They did ask for medical attention, with Flores reportedly suffering multiple injuries, including possible rib fractures.
The judge scheduled a follow-up conference for March 17. As Maduro left, he attempted to keep a pen in his notepad, but a US marshal retrieved it. An audience member called him an illegitimate president, prompting Maduro to insist he is a “kidnapped president – a prisoner of war.”
More updates will follow as the situation develops.