“Maduro and the first lady of Venezuela pleaded not guilty in a US court. The next meeting is on March 17.”, — write: www.pravda.com.ua
The convoy carrying Nicolás Maduro and Celia Flores. Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images Source: AP
Details: Nicolás Maduro declared during the meeting: “I am innocent. I am a decent person. I am still the president of my country.”
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The judge also informed about the right to consular protection, which the couple used.
According to the AP, after the judge turned to Maduro’s wife and asked her to confirm her identity, Flores said in Spanish through an interpreter: “I am the first lady of the Republic of Venezuela.”
When asked to plead guilty, she replied: “Not guilty. Absolutely innocent.”
Maduro’s lawyer noted that his client is the head of a sovereign state and has the right to appropriate privileges and immunity. He also added that he has health problems.
Lawyer Flores said that his client received significant injuries during the abduction and she needs a medical examination.
The next meeting was scheduled for March 17.
Prehistory:
- January 3 American special unit “Delta” captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and took him out of the country.
- US President Donald Trump has said that the United States will govern Venezuela until there is a clear and secure transition of power there.
- Later, the media reported that The plane carrying captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife Celia Flores arrived at Stewart Air Force Base in New York.
- The Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court of Venezuela decided that Vice President Delsey Rodríguez will perform the duties of the country’s president during Maduro’s absence.
- The European Union released its statement in which it indicated that it does not consider Nicolas Maduro to be the legitimately elected president of Venezuela and supports the fight against transnational organized crime and drug trafficking, but at the same time calls for these challenges to be resolved in full compliance with international law.
- On Monday, Maduro and his wife were taken by helicopter and armored car to a federal court in New York to face charges. According to the media, the couple will be brought to federal responsibility for drug trafficking and cooperation with gangs that are recognized as terrorist organizations.