06.01.2026 10:11
After the military operation carried out by the U.S. in Venezuela, the ousted leader of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were taken to New York, appeared in court on charges of drug trafficking and possession of weapons. While Maduro denied the charges, Flores' injuries sustained during the abduction drew attention. Meanwhile, in response to a protester’s words, "You will pay the price for what you have done," Maduro replied, "I will gain my freedom."
After the military operation carried out by the United States against Venezuela last Saturday, the ousted leader of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife, Cilia Flores, appeared in court for the first time regarding the case initiated against them. The hearing for Maduro and Flores, who are facing charges of drug trafficking and possession of weapons, was conducted by U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein.
MADURO WAS BROUGHT TO COURT IN HANDCUFFS
Nicolas Maduro, who was brought into the courtroom with his feet shackled, reportedly took notes throughout the hearing. Judge Hellerstein announced that the next hearing in the case would be held on March 17.
CNN: FLORES HAD "VISIBLE INJURIES"
According to CNN, Cilia Flores, Maduro's wife, had "visible injuries" reported to have occurred during her abduction. The same report stated that both Maduro and Flores displayed a "stoic" demeanor in the courtroom.
HE SAID, "I AM THE PRESIDENT OF VENEZUELA"
When asked to identify himself, Maduro said, "I am the president of Venezuela" and began to speak. It was reported that Maduro, who described himself as a "prisoner of war," attempted to explain how he was captured from his home, but the judge interrupted him, asking him to only state his name.
Maduro defended his innocence in court, claiming that he is an honest man.
HIS BEHAVIOR IN COURT DREW ATTENTION
In CNN's observations of the courtroom, it was reported that Maduro displayed a very confident demeanor while speaking, with his fingertips touching the table. The report also noted that Cilia Flores almost made fists with her hands and exhibited a withdrawn attitude.
ONE-SENTENCE RESPONSE TO THE PROTEST ON EXIT: I WILL GAIN MY FREEDOM
At the end of the hearing, as Maduro and his wife were being led out of the courtroom, a protester stood up and said, "You will pay for what you did to Maduro." Maduro, pointing to the sky, stated, "I will gain my freedom."