Maduro Tells New York Court He Was Kidnapped, Denies All Charges
Nicolás Maduro appeared before a federal court in Manhattan, New York, where he denied all criminal charges against him and claimed he had been unlawfully abducted, despite insisting that he remains the sitting president of Venezuela.
The appearance marked a dramatic moment in a case that has drawn international attention, blending legal proceedings with deep political implications. Maduro’s statements in court, along with allegations made by his legal team, have intensified debate over sovereignty, judicial authority, and international law.
According to multiple international media outlets, Maduro told the court that he and his wife were taken against their will from their residence in Caracas and transferred to the United States. He described the arrest as illegal and politically motivated, while maintaining that he continues to lead Venezuela despite being in U.S. custody.
Court Appearance in Manhattan
Maduro’s court appearance took place under heavy security at a federal courthouse in Manhattan. Inside the courtroom, he appeared calm and composed as proceedings began.
When asked by the judge to confirm his identity, Maduro acknowledged that he was Nicolás Maduro Moros. He confirmed receipt of the indictment but declined to have it read aloud, stating that he preferred to review it personally.
Asked how he pleaded, Maduro responded that he was not guilty of any charges presented against him.
The charges include allegations related to narcotics trafficking and weapons offenses. U.S. prosecutors allege that Maduro and associates were involved in long-running criminal activities connected to international drug networks. Maduro has consistently denied these accusations.
🔗 Reuters – Reporting on the court appearance and charges
https://www.reuters.com
Claims of Abduction and Political Motivation
During the hearing, Maduro told the court that his arrest constituted an unlawful abduction. He argued that the action violated international norms and Venezuelan sovereignty.
According to accounts from international media, Maduro claimed he was taken from his home in Caracas against his will, along with his wife, and transported to the United States. He insisted that the move was part of a broader political effort rather than a legitimate law enforcement action.
Maduro’s legal team echoed this position, arguing that the case should be viewed in a political context rather than solely as a criminal matter.
Associated Press (AP) – Background on U.S. charges against Maduro
https://apnews.com
Protests Outside the Courthouse
While proceedings took place inside the courtroom, the atmosphere outside the courthouse reflected the polarized reaction to the case.
Groups of protesters and counter-protesters gathered, holding signs expressing opposing views. Some demonstrators carried banners reading “Hands off Venezuela,” while others displayed messages supporting U.S. actions and former President Donald Trump.
Law enforcement maintained a visible presence to prevent confrontations as chants were exchanged between the groups.
Observers noted that the demonstrations highlighted the broader geopolitical divide surrounding the case, with strong opinions on both sides.
Maduro Speaks After Leaving Court
As Maduro exited the courthouse following the hearing, he briefly addressed a Spanish-speaking protester who shouted that he would be held accountable on behalf of the Venezuelan people.
Maduro responded in Spanish, stating:
“I am a kidnapped president. I am a prisoner of war.”
The remark quickly spread across international media platforms, fueling further debate about the legal and political dimensions of the case.
🔗 External coverage:
CBS News – Reaction following Maduro’s court appearance
https://www.cbsnews.com
Lawyer Says First Lady Was Injured
Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, also appeared in court and entered a plea of not guilty.
Her attorney, Mark E. Donnelly, told reporters that Flores suffered physical injuries during what he described as an unlawful abduction. According to Donnelly, Flores displayed visible signs of injury during the court appearance and may have sustained a serious rib fracture.
The lawyer said she requires medical attention and emphasized that the defense team intends to challenge the government’s evidence in court.
In a statement given to BBC, Donnelly said the legal process could be lengthy and complex but expressed confidence in his client’s innocence.
🔗 BBC News – Statements from Flores’ legal team
https://www.bbc.com/news
Charges Against Maduro and Flores
U.S. prosecutors accuse Maduro and Flores of participating in a long-term conspiracy involving international drug trafficking organizations. According to the indictment, prosecutors allege that for more than two decades, the couple worked with traffickers to move large quantities of illegal narcotics into the United States.
The charges also include weapons-related offenses. Prosecutors argue that these activities posed a serious threat to U.S. national security.
Both Maduro and Flores have formally pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Maduro’s defense team has characterized the accusations as politically motivated and lacking credible evidence.
🔗Reuters – Details of the indictment and legal arguments
https://www.reuters.com
Comments From Donald Trump
Former U.S. President Donald Trump commented publicly on the case, stating that Maduro would face what he described as a “very difficult trial.”
Trump’s remarks added a political dimension to the legal proceedings, reflecting the long-standing tensions between his administration and the Maduro government during his time in office.
Supporters of Maduro cite such statements as evidence that the case is politically driven, while critics argue that legal accountability should proceed regardless of political considerations.
Political Impact in Venezuela
The case has had immediate political repercussions within Venezuela. Supporters of Maduro have described the proceedings as an attack on national sovereignty and a violation of international law.
Opposition figures, however, argue that the charges reflect long-standing allegations of corruption and criminal activity within the Venezuelan leadership.
Political analysts note that the case has further polarized Venezuelan society, reinforcing divisions that have existed for years.
International Reaction and Diplomatic Implications
International reaction to the case has been mixed. Some governments and human rights organizations have called for due process and transparency, while others have expressed concern about the broader implications for international relations.
Experts warn that the case could affect diplomatic ties between the United States and countries that maintain relations with Venezuela.
The handling of the case, analysts say, may also set a precedent for how international criminal allegations against sitting heads of state are addressed in the future.
Associated Press – Global reaction and diplomatic context
https://apnews.com
What Comes Next
Following the preliminary hearing, the court scheduled a full hearing for March 17. Legal experts expect the proceedings to include arguments over jurisdiction, evidence, and the legality of the arrest.
Maduro’s legal team is expected to challenge both the substance of the charges and the circumstances surrounding his arrest.
Observers say the case could take months, if not years, to resolve.
Conclusion
Nicolás Maduro’s appearance in a New York court has transformed a long-running political dispute into a high-profile legal battle with global implications.
As Maduro maintains his innocence and claims abduction, U.S. prosecutors press forward with serious criminal charges. The case continues to draw intense international scrutiny, reflecting the complex intersection of law, politics, and diplomacy.
As proceedings move forward, the outcome is likely to remain a focal point of global political and media attention.