Venezuelan Nicolas President Maduro and wife pleads not guilty in US court, next hearing on March 17

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, made their first appearance in a New York federal court on Monday following their dramatic capture by US authorities. Escorted from the Brooklyn detention center under heavy armed guard, the couple were brought to Manhattan for a brief arraignment.

Wearing reportedly a blue jail uniform, Maduro addressed the court saying, “I am a decent man, the president of my country,” and added, “I was captured.” When asked for his plea, he firmly stated, “I am innocent. I am not guilty of anything that is mentioned here.”

Flores, 69, also pleaded not guilty to the charges, stressing her



innocence while identifying herself as Venezuela’s first lady. Speaking in Spanish through an interpreter, she said she was “completely innocent” of all accusations.

Court proceedings concluded after attorney Mark Donnelly informed the judge that Flores may be suffering from a rib fracture or severe bruising, potentially requiring a full X-ray. Both Maduro and Flores agreed to remain in detention for the time being. Their attorneys indicated they could revisit a bail application at a later date.

US District Judge Alvin Hellerstein has scheduled the next hearing in the case for March 17, marking the next step in what is expected to be a lengthy legal battle.