Nicolas Maduro, Cilia Flores plead not guilty in first US court appearance: 'I am still president'

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores pleaded not guilty on Monday, January 5, during their first appearance in a US federal court following their capture in Venezuela.

The hearing took place in Manhattan before US District Judge Alvin K Hellerstein.

Both defendants declined to seek bail at this stage and requested consular access. The next court hearing was scheduled for March 17.

Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores plead not guilty and request consular access

After prosecutors summarized the charges, Maduro pleaded not guilty in Spanish. “I am not guilty,” Maduro said. “I am a decent man. I am still the president of my country.”

At multiple points during the hearing, Maduro asserted that he remains Venezuela’s leader. When Judge Hellerstein asked him to confirm his identity, Maduro stood, confirming his name and stating that he is the president of Venezuela.

The judge replied that “there will be a time and a place to go into all of this,” clarifying that the court only required confirmation of his name at that stage. 

He also told the court, “I was captured at my home in Caracas, Venezuela.”

When asked whether he wanted the indictment read aloud, Maduro declined, saying, “I have it in my hands for the first time,” and indicated that he would review it himself. 

Cilia Flores, the former first lady of Venezuela, also entered her plea shortly afterwards. “Not guilty, completely innocent,” she said in Spanish when asked by Judge Hellerstein.

When confirming her identity, Flores told the court, “I am the first lady of the Republic of Venezuela.” She also waived a formal reading of the indictment and confirmed that she had discussed the charges with her attorney.

Both defendants requested access to Venezuelan consular officials after Judge Hellerstein explained that right.

“Yes, we understand, and we would like to have such a consular visit,” Maduro said. Flores echoed the request, saying, “Yes, I understand, and I would like for that consular visit to happen.”

No bail request for Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores 

Defense attorneys for both Maduro and Flores said that they were not seeking release on bail at this time.

“Mr Maduro is not seeking release at this time,” his attorney Barry Pollack told the court, adding that an application could be made later.

Judge Hellerstein responded, “When appropriate" they can "make (their) bail application.” 

Pollack told the court that the defense anticipates “substantial motion practice,” arguing that Maduro is the head of a sovereign state and entitled to the privileges and immunities of that office.

He also raised questions about the legality of Maduro’s capture. Pollack further noted that “there are some health and medical issues” concerning Maduro that “will require attention.”

Flores’ attorney Mark Donnelly, said that she sustained “significant injuries during her abduction,” including “severe bruising on her rib,” and said that she may require a physical evaluation.

Judge Hellerstein said attorneys could coordinate with prosecutors and the US Marshals Service to address medical needs while Flores remains held at the Metropolitan Detention Center.

As the hearing concluded, Maduro turned and waved toward the gallery, prompting a man to shout, “You will pay on behalf of Venezuela.” Maduro replied, “In the name of God, I will be free.”