During the first listening to in New York in the case in opposition to ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his spouse, Cilia Flores, the defendants professed their innocence and accused the US authorities of abducting the two from their residence.
Both Maduro and his spouse pleaded not responsible to the drug and weapons costs in opposition to them and selected, for the time being, to not struggle their detention.
The historic courtroom look for Maduro and Flores marks the begin of what could possibly be a prolonged litigation course of as they may probably struggle the legitimacy of their army seize.
In the meantime, Trump has stated, “We’re in charge” in Maduro’s absence.
The Trump administration has indicated will probably be carefully watching Venezuela’s interim chief – Maduro’s longtime vice chairman, Delcy Rodriguez, who was sworn in as the nation’s president Monday.
Here’s what to find out about the listening to and case:
When requested if he was Nicholas Maduro, the ousted president stood up and started talking in Spanish, which a translator slowly relayed in English.
Maduro acknowledged he “was captured at my home in Caracas, Venezuela,” and, as Judge Alvin Hellerstein tried to chop him off, added: “I am still president of my country.”
“I am innocent. I am not guilty of anything that is mentioned here,” Maduro stated when requested for the second time how he would plea. “I am a decent man.”
It’s unclear how a lot of Maduro’s feedback have been translated in open courtroom, however Hellerstein stated he would have a possibility at some later level to talk about his arrest and the costs in opposition to him.
Maduro’s lawyer confirmed he was coming into a not responsible plea to all 4 costs.
Flores additionally pleaded not responsible to the costs in opposition to her, telling Hellerstein in Spanish, “Not guilty, completely innocent.”
“I am first lady of the Republic of Venezuela,” Flores stated by a Spanish translator when the decide requested her to verify her id.
Maduro’s spouse had bandages on her brow and proper temple when she entered the courtroom flanked by US Marshals. She required assist to get into her seat at the protection desk earlier than the listening to started.
Her protection lawyer stated Flores would want a bodily analysis and potential remedy for “significant injuries” she sustained throughout the “abduction.”
She could have a fracture or at least extreme bruising on her ribs, lawyer Mark Donnelly stated.
Maduro’s lawyer Barry Pollack additionally stated the ousted president has “some health and medical issues that will require attention” however didn’t elaborate.
Pollack, who helped dealer a plea deal and launch for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange final summer season, stated he plans to file a number of motions difficult the indictment and Maduro’s controversial arrest by US operatives in the early morning hours Saturday, calling it a “military abduction.”
Pollack additionally stated Maduro has privileges and immunity tied to his workplace as the head of a sovereign state.
Maduro and Flores additionally requested for a “visit” with the Venezuelan consulate. Under US regulation, overseas nationals detained in the US are entitled to consular notification and entry to consular sources. It’s unclear what precisely that may appear to be.
Attorneys for Maduro and his spouse didn’t make a pitch for his or her launch in courtroom Monday however stated they may make a proper bail software down the line.
The next listening to in the case is scheduled for March 17.