Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro made a second appearance in a U.S. Court on Thursday, nearly three months after his capture by American authorities. The case, which has significant geopolitical implications for the region, centers around allegations of drug trafficking and ties to terrorist organizations.
Maduro, 63, is facing four charges in the United States, including narcoterrorism. He is accused of facilitating a large-scale drug trafficking operation through alliances with guerrilla movements and criminal cartels designated as “terrorist” groups by Washington. His wife, Cilia Flores, 69, is also facing three charges related to the alleged scheme.
“D’autres affaires seront portées devant les tribunaux contre Maduro”
Thursday’s hearing primarily addressed procedural matters ahead of any substantive examination of the case. Both Maduro and Flores have pleaded not guilty, and their legal teams are seeking to have the indictments dismissed.
A key argument from the defense centers on the claim that the U.S. Government is preventing the Venezuelan state from covering the couple’s legal fees due to international sanctions imposed on the country. During a press conference at the White House on Thursday, Donald Trump stated that “other cases will be brought to court” against Maduro, though he did not elaborate.
“Nous sommes sûrs qu’ils ne peuvent pas retenir notre président”
Since arriving in the U.S. On January 3, Maduro and his wife have been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn, a federal prison known for its poor conditions, and mismanagement. According to sources close to him, Maduro, who is reportedly referred to as “the president” by some fellow inmates, spends his time reading the Bible, having been cut off from internet and newspaper access.
Meanwhile, in Caracas, hundreds of supporters gathered in a central plaza to follow the court proceedings. “Freedom, freedom, for Cilia and Nicolas,” they chanted. “We are sure they cannot hold our president,” said Danniellys Angulo, 40, a municipal council member.
Nicolas Maduro Guerra, the former president’s son and a member of parliament, told Agence France-Presse in Caracas that he has confidence in the U.S. Justice system, while asserting that his father is entitled to “immunity” following his capture by the U.S. Military.
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