Quick Takeaways
- Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores pleaded not guilty in their first U. S. court appearance.
- The duo face narco-terrorism, cocaine importation, and weapons cabal charges.
- Venezuela names Delcy Rodríguez as acting chairperson amid rising ball-shaped tensions.
Deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, pleaded not guilty Monday in New York federal court. The appearance marked their 1st since U. S. forces captured them in Caracas during a surprise operation.
Both suspects face serious charges, including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation confederacy, and weapons offences. The vitrine has triggered political shockwaves across Latin America and heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas.
Maduro Calls Kidnapping as Billing Are Read
Maduro spoke out about his arrest as an illegal capture during the hearing. “I was noble. I am a captive of war, ” he tells the court in Spanish.
Flores also rejected the guardianship and identified herself as Venezuela’s first lady. U. S. prosecutors say the couple runs a criminal net tied to drug trafficking and armed groups.
Officials allege the confederacy tries to flood the United States with cocaine while cave to regional security. Maduro previously denied all allegations and charged Washington with political persecution.
Trump Signals Control Over Venezuela’s Future
President Donald Trump reacted swiftly to the court appearance. He claimed the United States is now “in charge” of Venezuela following Maduro’s capture.
Trump warned Venezuela’s interim leadership to cooperate or face a “very big price.” He also reiterated plans to access Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
In recent statements, Trump issued fresh warnings toward Colombia, Mexico, and Greenland. He also predicted Cuba’s communist government would soon collapse.
Venezuelans Abroad Demand Accountability
Outside the courthouse, Venezuelan expatriates pull together in great numbers. Many expressed hope that Maduro would eventually face justice.
“It doesn’t surprise me that he pleaded not guilty, ” said Grecia Vera, a Venezuelan immigrant. She accused Maduro of making the victim after a year of repression. Vera enunciated his kidnapping claim, mocking millions forced into exile.
“He abducts an entire land, ” she added. Another dissident, Alberto Mestre, said legal action was the only stay option. “They tried to negotiate. They tried to eat. Nothing worked, ” he said.
Mestre pronounced that Maduro should spend life behind bars for abusing political prisoners. Mabel Sanchez advertises the demonstration with her three daughters. She enunciated that the U. S. court arrangement would discover the truth.
Sanchez gave notice that Maduro’s snatch title was simulated, telling him he was admonished to surrender.
Power Shift in Caracas After Maduro’s Arrest
Following Maduro’s capture, Venezuela’s Supreme Court moved quickly. It is ruled that Delcy Rodríguez would take the role of acting president.
Rodríguez previously served as vice president under Maduro. She was sworn in by her brother, Jorge Rodríguez, now president of the National Assembly.
The transition observance took place in Caracas amid heightened security. In her first remarks, Rodríguez invited dialogue with the United States.
She enunciated that Venezuela remains committed to reign, peace, and development. The political faulting adds uncertainty to an already explosive situation.
Switzerland Freezes Assets Linked to Maduro
International reactions have followed swiftly. Switzerland announced it had frozen assets linked to Maduro and close associates.
The Swiss Federal Council said the freeze aims to prevent illicit fund movements. The measure takes effect immediately and will last four years.
Swiss officials clarified that current Venezuelan government members are excluded. Authorities said any illicit funds found would be returned to benefit Venezuelans.Switzerland cited instability in Venezuela and unpredictable outcomes ahead. The homage proceedings mark a historic present moment for Venezuela and the U. S. extraneous policy.
Maduro’s effective lot could reform regional politics for years. As the font stretches, global attention remains fixed on New York and Caracas alike.