06.01.2026 14:31
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was kidnapped by the U.S. and brought to court in New York. While Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores denied the allegations, it was claimed that the couple was beaten during the operation. Lawyers stated that Maduro's wife Flores suffered broken ribs and facial injuries during the harsh intervention applied during the kidnapping.
After Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was kidnapped by the U.S. and brought to court in New York, it was claimed that there was a harsh intervention against Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores during the operation. While the couple denied the allegations against them, statements regarding Flores being assaulted at the time of her detention drew attention.
According to the lawyers, it was stated that Flores may have broken ribs due to the harsh intervention during the kidnapping and that she had injuries on her face.
LAWYERS: SHE SUFFERED SERIOUS INJURIES
According to CNN, Maduro's lawyer Barry Pollack stated that there are "legal issues regarding the kidnapping" and mentioned that Maduro has "some health issues that require attention."
Flores' lawyer Mark Donnelly indicated that his client "suffered serious injuries" during the kidnapping. Donnelly expressed that there might be a fracture or severe bruising in Flores' rib bone, and therefore she would need a physical examination.
NEW YORK TIMES: BANDAGE AND BRUISING DETAIL
The New York Times reported that in the courtroom, Flores had a bandage on her forehead and bruising around her right eye. The report also mentioned that Flores was seen holding onto a U.S. official for support while getting up. It was commented that these images strengthened the allegations of assault and harsh intervention during the operation.
PRE-COURT IMAGE EMERGED
On the other hand, an image of Maduro before the court in New York also emerged.
SECOND HEARING ON MARCH 17
While Maduro's first hearing has concluded, it was announced that the next hearing will take place on March 17 at 11:00 local time. It was noted that Barry Pollack, also known as the lawyer for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, represented Maduro in court.