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Protesters categorical their anger towards ousted Venezuelan chief Nicolás Maduro and fly the Venezuelan flag exterior the Daniel Patrick Moynihan United States Courthouse in New York Metropolis on Monday.
José A. Alvarado Jr. for NPR
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José A. Alvarado Jr. for NPR
Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro and his spouse, politician and legal professional Cilia Flores, made their first court docket look at a federal court docket in New York Metropolis Monday afternoon, after they each pleaded not responsible to all expenses.
Maduro is going through expenses of narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine-importation conspiracy and weapons expenses. Flores and different senior Venezuelan officers, together with Maduro’s son, are additionally going through expenses.
U.S. District Decide Alvin Ok. Hellerstein is overseeing the proceedings. Monday’s listening to lasted lower than an hour, with each Maduro and Flores submitting their pleas.
It is one of many first instances the now-former head of the Venezuelan state has been seen publicly for the reason that U.S. attacked Caracas, captured Maduro and his spouse, and introduced them to the U.S. over the weekend to face expenses.
Maduro greeted folks within the courtroom with “Pleased New 12 months” as he entered.
Throughout the proceedings, he launched himself because the president of Venezuela in addition to a prisoner of struggle. Flores launched herself as first girl of Venezuela. Her proper eye appeared swollen and her brow was bandaged in what could also be accidents sustained in the course of the U.S. navy operation.
Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro seen on Aug. 17, 2024, in Caracas, Venezuela. He and his spouse pleaded not responsible to the narco-terrorism expenses they’re going through.
Alfredo Lasry R/Getty Pictures
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Alfredo Lasry R/Getty Pictures
Maduro’s protection requested X-rays and medical consideration for what they stated could also be a damaged or bruised rib, which they are saying was sustained in the course of the navy operation.
A heckler stood up in court docket to say, “You’ll pay within the identify of the Venezuelan folks.” Maduro turned to face him and responded, “I’m a person of God.” The subsequent court docket date is March 17.
Outdoors the courtroom, crowds gathered and feelings have been excessive. Protesters performed drums and sang the Venezuelan nationwide anthem. Some who opposed the Trump administration’s actions demanded the U.S. launch Maduro. Others decried harsh situations for Venezuelans beneath Maduro.
Counterprotesters show indicators supporting ousted Venezuelan chief Nicolás Maduro and fly the Venezuelan flag exterior the Daniel Patrick Moynihan United States Courthouse in New York Metropolis.
José A. Alvarado Jr. for NPR
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José A. Alvarado Jr. for NPR
Maduro and Flores have been captured of their Caracas compound in a shock U.S. navy operation Saturday.
The identical day, the U.S. Justice Division launched a 25-page indictment that accuses Maduro and his allies of importing 1000’s of tons of cocaine into the U.S. with safety from Venezuelan regulation enforcement. It alleges Maduro offered drug traffickers with diplomatic passports and partnered with drug cartels to ship cocaine to the U.S. by way of factors within the Caribbean and Central America. The indictment claims Maduro started drug trafficking into the U.S. as early as 1999.
In a put up on X this previous weekend, Lawyer Normal Pam Bondi wrote that Maduro and his spouse “will quickly face the total wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts.”
If convicted, Maduro and his spouse may face life in jail.
Maduro is being represented by Barry J. Pollack, a number one trial legal professional within the U.S. whose high-profile shoppers embody Julian Assange and Enron executives. Pollack did not instantly reply to a request for remark.
Flores is being defended by Mark Donnelly, a Houston-based legal professional that focuses on white collar legal protection.
In a press release despatched to NPR Donnelly stated, “Our shopper is in good spirits. We look ahead to reviewing and difficult the proof the federal government has. Whereas we might like to current our facet now, we are going to wait to take action in court docket on the applicable time. The primary girl is conscious that there’s a lengthy street forward and is ready.”
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