Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are scheduled to make their initial appearance in a U.S. federal court on Monday in New York City. Their court appearance follows their apprehension by U.S. forces on Saturday. Both are facing federal criminal charges, including narco-terrorism conspiracy and conspiracy to import cocaine.
Apprehension and Legal Questions
President Maduro was apprehended by U.S. forces in Caracas on Saturday. His wife, Cilia Flores, was also taken into custody by the U.S. military. The United States' actions concerning President Maduro have been characterized by some as his "capture" or "extraction." Questions regarding the legality of this reported "extraction" are reportedly part of ongoing judicial considerations.
Scheduled Court Proceedings
The court proceeding is set for noon on Monday in the federal courthouse in Manhattan. U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein will preside over the hearing, which is expected to initiate a protracted legal process.
Federal Charges
Both President Maduro and Cilia Flores are facing federal criminal charges:
- Nicolás Maduro: Faces charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy and conspiracy to import cocaine.
- Cilia Flores: Faces charges of conspiracy to import cocaine.
U.S. prosecutors initially filed federal charges against Maduro in 2020, which he denied at the time. Attorney General Pam Bondi has since published a superseding indictment against Maduro, Flores, and other Venezuelan officials. The U.S. Justice Department accuses Maduro and other Venezuelan leaders of utilizing their government positions to facilitate cocaine importation into the United States for over two decades.