Archive · 7 Jan 2026
Maduro Captured, Pleads Not Guilty
Nicolas Maduro, the former president of Venezuela, and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured by US forces in Venezuela.
They were taken to the US and appeared in court in New York.
During the capture, Flores was injured and had bandages on her head.
Both Maduro and Flores said they are not guilty of the charges against them.
Maduro's team says he was captured illegally and plans to fight the charges in court.
The US says Maduro is guilty of serious crimes and will be tried in the US.
Meanwhile, a new leader has taken over in Venezuela.
Some countries and the UN are worried about what this means for other countries and their leaders.
There was also some gunfire near the president's palace in Venezuela after Maduro appeared in court.
Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were captured by US forces in Venezuela and brought to the US to face federal charges, including narco-terrorism and drug trafficking.
Cilia Flores sustained significant injuries during her capture, including possible rib fractures or severe bruising, and visible bandages on her head.
Both Maduro and Flores pleaded not guilty to the charges and requested a visit with representatives of the Venezuelan consulate.
Maduro's legal team plans to challenge the jurisdiction of US courts and the legality of his arrest, arguing that he was a head of state at the time of his capture.
Delcy Rodriguez, Maduro's long-time vice president, was sworn in as acting president of Venezuela following Maduro's removal.
Gunfire broke out near Venezuela’s presidential palace late Monday night, with reports of drones flying over the area, hours after Rodriguez was sworn in.
The UN and several countries, including Russia and China, have expressed concerns about the US action, viewing it as a violation of sovereignty and a dangerous precedent for international relations.
- Who
- Nicolas Maduro, Cilia Flores, Delcy Rodriguez, US forces, international bodies like the UN, and countries like Russia, China, and Colombia.
- What
- Maduro and Flores were captured by US forces and are facing federal charges in the US, while Venezuela's political landscape shifts with a new interim president.
- When
- The capture occurred over the weekend, and the court appearance was on Monday. The next hearing is scheduled for March 17.
- Where
- The capture took place in Caracas, Venezuela, and the court appearance was in New York. Gunfire was reported near the presidential palace in Caracas.
- Why
- The US has charged Maduro and Flores with narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and weapons-related offences, while international concerns focus on sovereignty and the precedent set by the US action.
- Injuries
- Cilia Flores sustained significant injuries, including possible rib fractures or severe bruising, and visible bandages on her head.
- Legal Charges
- Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores pleaded not guilty to multiple federal charges, including narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and weapons-related offences.
- Arrest Location
- Maduro claims he was captured at his home in Caracas, Venezuela, which his legal team describes as a 'military abduction.'
- Legal Defence
- Maduro's legal team plans to challenge the jurisdiction of US courts and the legality of his arrest.
- Next Hearing
- The next hearing in the case is scheduled for March 17.
- Consular Access
- Both Maduro and Flores requested a visit with representatives of the Venezuelan consulate.
- Acting President
- Delcy Rodriguez, Maduro's long-time vice president, was sworn in as acting president of Venezuela.
- UN Response
- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for respect of nations' political independence and territorial integrity following the US operation.
- US Military Activity
- The US has launched dozens of strikes against vessels linked to drug trafficking in Venezuela since September.
- Gunfire Incident
- Gunfire broke out near Venezuela’s presidential palace late Monday night, with reports of drones flying over the area.
- State of Emergency
- Maduro signed a decree declaring a State of External Commotion, granting sweeping powers to the presidency and instructing security forces to detain supporters of the US attack.
- Swiss Assets
- Switzerland froze any Swiss-based assets linked to Maduro, aiming to ensure they benefit the Venezuelan population if found to be of illicit origin.
- US Oil Interests
- Trump expressed interest in American oil companies returning to Venezuela to rebuild the sector’s infrastructure.
- Protests
- Supporters of Maduro took to the streets of Caracas, carrying Venezuelan flags and holding placards backing the deposed leader.
Sources
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