Maduro and wife appear in a New York court after capture by US forces
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Deposed Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro appeared in a New York court on Monday, days after being seized in Caracas in a US military operation that led to his removal from power.
His wife, Cilia Flores, also faces charges and was presented before the court.
Maduro, 63, was escorted by heavily armed law enforcement officers to the courthouse after being transported by helicopter and armoured vehicle. He and Flores, 69, were taken into custody on Saturday during a US operation involving helicopters, fighter jets, and naval forces. They were first moved to a US Navy ship, then flown to the United States and lodged at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
US authorities have charged Maduro and Flores with narcotrafficking.
A 25-page indictment made public on Saturday accuses them of working with drug cartels to facilitate the shipment of thousands of tonnes of cocaine into the United States. The charges also include allegations of ordering kidnappings, beatings, and murders linked to drug operations. Flores is accused of accepting bribes in 2007 to arrange meetings between traffickers and senior Venezuelan anti-drug officials.
Maduro’s lawyers are expected to challenge the legality of his arrest, arguing that he is immune from prosecution as a sovereign head of state. The United States does not recognise Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate leader following his disputed 2024 reelection.
US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the United States was in charge of Venezuela. Interim president Delcy Rodriguez has demanded Maduro’s return but also signalled openness to improved relations with Washington. If convicted, Maduro and his wife could face life imprisonment.