At the first New York trial in the case against ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, the defendants maintained their innocence and accused the U.S. government of abducting them from their homes.
Both men have pleaded not guilty to drug and weapons charges and have chosen not to resist custody for the time being.
The historic court appearance marks the beginning of a potentially lengthy legal process, as it is likely to challenge the legitimacy of the military occupation.
Maduro’s lawyer Barry Pollack said he plans to file multiple motions challenging the indictment and controversial arrest of Maduro by U.S. agents, calling it a “military abduction.”
Mr. Pollack also said Mr. Maduro has the privileges and immunities that come with his office as head of a sovereign nation.
Maduro and Flores also requested a “visit” to the Venezuelan consulate. Under U.S. law, foreign nationals detained in the United States have the right to notify the consulate and access consular resources. It is unclear what exactly that will look like.
Lawyers for the Maduros did not confirm their release in court Monday, but said they would file a formal bail application in the future.
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for March 17th.
Major legal challenges facing President Maduro and his wife
Ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, pleaded not guilty in their first court appearance in New York. CNN’s Laura Coates explains what’s next legally for the couple.
