At the hearing, Maduro, who called himself a "prisoner of war," confirmed his innocence, stating: "I am an honest man and continue to be the president of my country." He also recounted how he was captured in his home in Caracas, Venezuela, according to CNN.
Both were dressed in prison clothing and used headphones for translation, being without handcuffs but with leg shackles. Flores, as she stated, is the First Lady of Venezuela and also denies all charges.
The couple's lawyers reported that their clients currently do not intend to seek bail, planning to file the appropriate motions later. Maduro's attorney, Barry Pollack, noted that there are doubts regarding the legality of his detention and transfer to the USA. Flores' lawyer, Mark Donnelly, mentioned the injuries she sustained during her abduction and the need for a medical examination.
The next hearing is scheduled for March 17, and until that time, Maduro and Flores will remain in custody in New York.
The spouses were detained by American special forces in Caracas on the night of January 3 and then transported to New York. US authorities accuse Maduro of drug trafficking and possession of weapons, while his wife is accused of drug trafficking and accepting bribes.
