Maduro's first hearing has concluded

The US, in themilitary operation itconducted against Venezuelalast Saturday, abductedandbrought to New York the VenezuelanThecasein which Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores face drug trafficking and weapons possession charges sawthem appear before a judge for the first time emerged.

Maduro was brought to the hearing of the case presided over by US District Judge Alvin Hellerstein with his feet shackled. JudgeJudge Hellerstein began the hearing by stating that his duty is to ensure justice. The judiciary

iscut off Maduro mid-sentence

JudgeHellerstein then asked Maduro to standup and confirm his identity. Through an interpreter, Madurostated that he is the President of Venezuela and that he was being "held captive" in his home. JudgeJudge Hellerstein, however, interrupted Maduro, stating that now is not the time to address legal issues, and noted that there would be time for the defense.

He denied the charges.

Maduro, regarding the drug trafficking and weapons possession charges against him, denied them, saying, "I am innocent, I am not guilty, I am an honest person, I am still the presiI am the president," he stated. Maduro said hesawtheindictment but had not readit.Following

Maduro's declaration of innocence,the JudiciaryJudge Hellerstein stated that this wouldmove on to theevidenceand asked Maduro'swife, Cilia Flores, to confirm her identity and that she was represented by counsel.

Maduro's wife, Flores, alsothrough an interpreterIn her speech, she denied the chargesagainst her,stating, "I am completelyinnocent and not guilty."Flores also stated that she is the First Lady of Venezuela.

JudgeHellerstein allowed Maduro to keep the notes he took during the hearingand informed Maduro and his wife that they have the right to notify the Venezuelan consulate of their arrest. Maduro and his wife stated that they would like the consulate to visit them.

JudgeHellerstein announced that the casewould have its next hearing on March 17th.The hearingwas announced.

Maduro and his wife did not request release on bail

While Maduro and his wife did not request release on bail during the hearing, following the hearing the couple's lawyersmadestatements.Maduro's lawyer, Barry Pollack, stated that Maduro is "the head of a sovereign state and has the right to the privileges provided by this status," adding that a complex legal processawaits due to Maduro's "abduction."Henoted that a complex legal processis expected.stated thathe. Pollack noted that his client is not currently requesting release, but reservesthe rightto do so at a later time.

Meanwhile, Mark Donnelly, the lawyer for Maduro's wife, stated that Cilia Flores suffered significant injuries, includingsevere bruising on her ribs, andrequested an X-ray and a physical examinationto be performed,he said.

Maduro argued with an attendee in the courtroom:"I am a prisoner of war"

After the hearing concluded, as Maduro was being escortedout of the courtroom, he got into an argument with 33-year-old Pedro Rojas, who was among the spectators. Standing up, Rojas addressed Maduro in Spanish, calling him an "illegitimate" president. Maduro looked toward Rojas and spoke in Spanish, saying, "I am the...I am an overthrown president. I am a prisoner of war," he said.

Rojas, in a subsequent statement, noted that the Maduro government hadpreviously imprisonedstated that he was.

Maduro and his wife were captured and abducted

The U.S., last Saturday, in Venezuela'sorganized attacks on civilian and military facilities in the capital, Caracas,andVenezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured by the US military and taken to the US to be tried.At least 40 people, including soldiers and civilians, lost their lives in the US attack.Two US officials were alsocaptured during the general operation aimed at seizing Maduro.stated that 6 soldiers were injured.

Maduro has been accused by the U.S. since 2020 of several crimes, includingconspiracy to commit narco-terrorism.

News Source: İHA