Maduro’s wife suffered ‘significant injuries’ during 'kidnapping' by the US, claims lawyer

Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, appeared in a New York courtroom for the first time on Monday, where Flores was seen with visible injuries and bandages as her lawyer said she suffered “significant injuries” during what the couple claims was an abduction by US authorities.



Both Maduro, 63, and Flores, 69, pleaded not guilty to charges including cocaine importation and weapons offenses, according to reporting from CNN. The pair did not contest their detention at this stage of the proceedings.





When asked to confirm his identity, Maduro stood and began speaking in Spanish as a court-appointed translator relayed his words into English.



“I was captured at my home in Caracas, Venezuela,” Maduro said, before adding, “I am still president of my country.”



When Judge Alvin Hellerstein asked how he pleaded, Maduro responded, “I am innocent. I am not guilty of anything that is mentioned here. I am a decent man.”



Flores also pleaded not guilty, telling the judge through a Spanish translator, “Not guilty, completely innocent.”



When asked to confirm her identity, she said, “I am first lady of the Republic of Venezuela.”



According to CNN, Flores entered the courtroom flanked by US Marshals with bandages on her forehead and right temple. She required assistance to sit down at the defense table before the hearing began.



Her attorney, Mark Donnelly, told Judge Hellerstein that Flores would need a physical evaluation and possible treatment for “significant injuries” sustained during the “abduction.”



“She may have a fracture or at least severe bruising on her ribs,” Donnelly said.



Maduro’s attorney, Barry Pollack, added that the former Venezuelan leader also has “some health and medical issues that will require attention,” though he did not elaborate.



CNN legal analyst Laura Coates, who was present in court, said both defendants appeared physically strained during the hearing.



She described Maduro and Flores as “having difficulty sitting and getting up from their chairs.”



Coates noted that Maduro frequently looked over at his wife during the proceedings. Flores, she said, appeared more “demure” and “withdrawn” than her husband.



Maduro and Flores were taken into U.S. custody by the American military on Jan. 3, according to US officials. The couple maintains they were unlawfully seized. Their next court appearance is scheduled for March 17, according to the court.

Back in Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez has been sworn-in as the interim President. Rodriguez was sworn in at the National Assembly, where she told lawmakers she was taking the oath “in the name of all Venezuelans.” She also signaled a willingness to cooperate with Washington. Rodriguez had served as the country’s vice president since 2018.