Maduro Protests Abduction: First Appearance in US Court, Next Hearing on March 17
Digital Desk, Assam Barta, January 7: The United States’ sudden capture and transfer of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has sparked intense reactions worldwide. On January 2, in a midnight operation by American special forces in Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were detained and brought to the United States. This incident has raised serious allegations of violations of international laws and norms, though many countries have refrained from taking strong action against the US.
Following the event, questions have arisen about how Maduro is spending his days in US custody. In response, American media outlets have released several photos and videos. These show Maduro being transported by helicopter under tight security to a federal court in New York. He was brought to court in handcuffs, surrounded by heavily armed security personnel.
Notably, the US has levelled serious charges against Maduro, including drug trafficking, narco-terrorism, and illegal arms supply. Based on these allegations, a case has been filed against him in the Manhattan Federal Court in New York, and the trial process has begun.
On January 5, during his first court appearance, Maduro denied all charges and declared himself not guilty. He stated in court that he is not involved in any illegal drug or arms supply, and that these are false accusations used as a basis for his abduction.
Maduro’s lawyers argued in court that US forces violated international law by abducting a sitting head of state. They described the action as an “abduction” and lodged a strong protest. Maduro himself claimed in court that he remains the legitimate President of Venezuela and described himself as a “prisoner of war.”
The next hearing in this case is scheduled for March 17. Until then, Maduro will be held in a high-security prison in New York.
This incident has created new controversies in global politics, with many countries expressing concern over it.
