Maduro, Flores pleads ‘not guilty’ at first court hearing in New York ‘I was kidnapped’
By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife Flores who was captured by the US from his Caracas residence after a military operation on Monday produced before a New York federal court for an initial hearing, according to media reports.
They both pleased ‘not guilty’ and Mr. Maduro told the judge “ ‘I was kidnapped’
It was unprecedented military operation codenamed “Operation Absolute Resolve”.
The federal NY 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”.
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 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.
Maduro and his wife Flores were flown to Manhattan by helicopter from the Metropolitan Detention Center. The couple was later taken to the courthouse by road under heavy security.
Maduro 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, media reported.
Maduro and Flores were captured by US special forces from a safe house in Caracas on Saturday following an unprecedented military operation codenamed Operation Absolute Resolve.
They were 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 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.
The reports claim the Trump administration did not consult Congress in an effort to avoid leaks and maintain the element of surprise.
US President Donald Trump announced that the US would “run” Venezuela until a safe transition of power takes place.
