05.01.2026 23:11
Rona Doğan Sural, News.com’s Washington correspondent, reported on the developments of the trial in New York where Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, who were detained by the U.S. military intervention, appeared before a judge for the first time.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, who were detained by the U.S. military intervention, appeared before a judge for the first time in a case initiated against them on charges of 'drug trafficking' and 'arms smuggling.'
News.com Washington Representative Rona Doğan Sural reported the latest developments from outside the court in Manhattan, New York, where the hearing took place.
"THE JUDGE READ THE CHARGES TO THEIR FACES"
Sural stated: "Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, who were taken out of the country by the surprise operation conducted by the U.S. on January 3, appeared before a judge in New York for the first time today.
Maduro and his wife were brought to the federal court in Manhattan under heavy security measures, wearing brown prison uniforms and with their hands cuffed. The judge read the charges against the defendants to their faces.
"I AM INNOCENT, I AM NOT GUILTY, I AM A HONEST MAN"
During the identification process, Maduro stated, 'I am the President of Venezuela, I was captured in my home in Caracas.' He also expressed against the charges, "I am innocent, I am not guilty, I am an honest man." His wife also stated to the court that she is innocent, rejecting all the charges.
Let us say that today's hearing was a procedural hearing held before the main case of the trial. Maduro and his wife also informed the court that they wanted to exercise their right to meet with consular officials.
THE DEFENSE WILL BE HANDLED BY THE LAWYER WHO SECURED JULIAN ASSANGE'S RELEASE
With this stage, the legal processes for the charges of drug and arms smuggling in America have officially begun. Barry Pollack, the criminal lawyer who negotiated the agreement that secured Julian Assange's release, will be the lawyer for the couple.
The second hearing of the case has been scheduled for March 17."