Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, who was captured by the United States from his Caracas residence following a military operation, was Monday produced before a New York federal court for an initial hearing.
As the hearing began, federal court Judge Hellerstein asked Maduro to identify himself. In response, he confirmed his identify as Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
“I’m innocent. I’m not guilty. I am a decent man,” Maduro said when the judge asked for his plea. He also added, “I am kidnapped”.
When the judge turned to his wife Cilia Flores, and asked for her plea, she too responded “not guilty”. “I am completely innocent,” Flores told the judge.
Their lawyers then told the judge about their medical conditions. However, the duo didn’t seek release on bail but their lawyers said that they may do so later.
The court posted the matter for next hearing on March 17.
Earlier in the day, Maduro and his wife Flores were flown to Manhattan by helicopter from the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC). The couple was later taken to the courthouse by road under heavy security.
The Venezuelan leader and his wife will be represented by court-appointed defence lawyer David Wikstrom. They may also engage private legal counsel at a later stage.
The duo is unlikely to be granted bail and is expected to be remanded to custody.
They face serious charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy for allegedly trafficking tonnes of cocaine into the United States, using Venezuelan military and intelligence networks to protect the shipments. Charges of possession of machine guns and destructive devices, as well as conspiracy to possess them, have also been filed.
Maduro has additionally been charged with money laundering and corruption for allegedly transferring funds obtained through drug trafficking operations. Some of the charges carry the possibility of the death penalty.
Maduro and Flores were reportedly captured by US special forces from a safe house in Caracas on Saturday following an unprecedented military operation codenamed Operation Absolute Resolve.
They were subsequently brought to the United States and indicted in the Southern District of New York on charges of alleged “drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracies.”
According to reports, the US military had been preparing for the highly secretive mission for several months, with CIA operatives deployed to monitor the Venezuelan president’s movements. The intelligence operation reportedly included a mole within the Venezuelan government who helped track Maduro’s daily routines.
The meticulously planned operation was kept under wraps until it was executed. Reports claim the Trump administration did not consult Congress in an effort to avoid leaks and maintain the element of surprise.
Briefing media persons on the operation, US President Donald Trump announced that the United States would “run” Venezuela until a safe transition of power takes place.