Key Takeaways From Maduro’s First Court Appearance
The former Venezuelan leader and his wife pleaded not guilty to charges in an indictment accusing them of participating in a narco-terrorism scheme.
Captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro arrives at the Downtown Manhattan
NEW YORK CITY—Deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, made their first court appearance on Jan. 5 after a surprise capture by the United States just days earlier in Caracas.
They’re charged with narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess those items.
Maduro and Wife Plead Not Guilty
Maduro, 63, and Flores, 69, maintained their innocence and described themselves as the leaders of their country.“My name is Nicolas Maduro Moros, president of the Constitutional Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela,” Maduro said in comments interpreted from Spanish. He was wearing a blue prison uniform during the brief hearing.
In Spanish, Flores said, “I am first lady of the Republic of Venezuela.”Maduro pleaded not guilty, saying: “I am innocent. I am not guilty of anything that is mentioned here.”
Flores said: “Not guilty. Completely innocent.”
