Maduro and his wife have made some curious claims.
Nicolas Maduro and his wife have made some strong claims regarding the United States and their handling following their arrest.
The Venezuelan dictator and his spouse, Cilia Flores, were captured by the American military on Saturday morning.
They appeared in a New York court today, where the 63-year-old pleaded not guilty after a viral three-word message for the DEA.
Maduro is facing charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices.
Donald Trump has accused him of working hand-in-hand with the biggest drug traffickers in South and Central America.
Nicolas Maduro & His Wife Say They Were Hurt During Saturday’s Operation
Meanwhile, Maduro’s lawyer has asserted that the two were injured during the capture, telling a judge there are “some health and medical issues that will require attention.”
An attorney for Flores said she suffered “significant injuries during her abduction.”
Flores appeared in court with a bandage on her forehead and visible bruising around her right eye. She is also said to have sustained bruising on her ribs.
She reportedly held on to a U.S. Marshal for support as she entered a plea of not guilty.
Flores’ lawyers told CBS the 69-year-old, who is an attorney herself, was in good spirits despite her reported injuries.
“[The] first lady is aware that there is a long road ahead and is prepared,” Mark E. Donnelly said, per the Daily Mail.
“We look forward to reviewing and challenging the evidence the government has. While we would love to present our side now, we will wait to do so in court at the appropriate time,” he added.
Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein has scheduled their next appearance for March 17.
They did not make a bail application. Maduro’s lawyers said he was not seeking to be released, while his wife plans to apply at a later date.
In the meantime, Maduro’s Vice President, Delcy Rodriguez, has been sworn in as Venezuela’s new interim leader.
“I come with sorrow for the suffering inflicted upon the Venezuelan people following an illegitimate military aggression against our homeland,” she said.
“I come with sorrow for the kidnapping of two heroes.”
Trump had previously indicated that America would take charge of Venezuela.
