Defiant Maduro declares he is a 'prisoner of war' in first US court appearance
Ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro was defiant during a federal court arraignment on Monday in Lower Manhattan, where he appeared for the first time in public since he was captured...
By Fox News · Fox News
Ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro was defiant during a federal court arraignment on Monday in Lower Manhattan, where he appeared for the first time in public since he was captured two days earlier during a surprise U.S. military raid in Caracas. Maduro scribbled on a legal pad during much of the hearing – notes he requested that he be able to keep for future reference – and spoke frequently in Spanish with his defense attorney, Barry Pollack. Pollack is a well-known defense lawyer whose list of former clients includes big names, such as Julian Assange. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were indicted in the Southern District of New York on federal charges that include narco-terrorism conspiracy, conspiracy to import cocaine, and weapons-related charges. Maduro, for his part, attempted to stand multiple times during the arraignment and interrupted U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein to argue his innocence. "I am a decent man," Maduro proclaimed. "I am innocent. I am still president of my country." Hellerstein finally interjected, and told Maduro that a plea of "not guilty" would be entered on his behalf on all four charges. Flores also pleaded not guilty to all charges. Though the arraignment was short, there was a notable contrast in the demeanor of Maduro and of Flores, who was more subdued. Maduro, who was clad in tan pants, orange sneakers, and a black T-shirt, seemed incredulous and at times, angry. "I am a kidnapped president," he told a bystander in Spanish, his voice raised slightly, as he exited the courtroom. "I am a prisoner of war." INSIDE TRUMP’S FIRST-YEAR POWER PLAYS AND THE COURT FIGHTS TESTING THEM Neither defendant sought bail at the arraignment, though Flores’ attorney said he expects to file for her release at a later date. Lawyers for both Flores and Maduro also told the judge they require medical attention following the raid two days earlier, with Flores’ counsel saying she appears to have suffered a fracture or serious abrasion duri…