Maduro says “We Are Fighters” from U.S. prison as legal battle looms
Former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, currently held in a federal detention facility in New York, told supporters that “we are fighters” from behind bars, his team reported this weekend.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, appeared in a Manhattan federal court earlier this week after their capture by United States forces. Both pleaded not guilty to a series of U.S. criminal charges that include alleged drug trafficking and narco-terrorism, according to court filings.
The U.S. Justice Department has accused the couple of involvement in transnational drug networks that allegedly shipped cocaine into the United States, claims Maduro’s defense rejects.
In a video message circulated by Maduro’s political party, his son relayed a message to supporters: “Don’t be sad” and “we will continue to fight.” Demonstrations in Caracas have continued almost daily in support of the former president, with banners calling for his return.
Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez has pledged that the government will not relent in demanding Maduro’s release, while U.S. officials warn citizens to leave Venezuela amid security concerns.
The next scheduled hearing in the U.S. legal process is set for mid-March, prolonging uncertainty for all parties.
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