Former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, detained in New York for a week, has declared he is “well” and a “fighter,” according to a message relayed through his son. The message comes as the United States government urged its citizens to immediately depart Venezuela, citing an “unstable” security situation.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. They appeared before a US court on Monday, pleading not guilty to charges including narcotics trafficking. Their next court appearance is scheduled for March 17th.
Maduro’s arrest followed a US special forces operation, reportedly accompanied by airstrikes on Caracas on January 3rd. Venezuelan authorities claim the operation resulted in approximately 100 deaths.
DZWatch sources report that approximately one thousand Maduro supporters demonstrated in Caracas on Saturday, carrying signs demanding his return and chanting slogans of support. “We are a people who fight,” stated Yosleidis Arroyo, a 36-year-old protestor.
Daily pro-Maduro demonstrations have continued since the US military operation that led to his capture and transfer to New York. State television broadcast footage of acting President Delcy Rodriguez visiting an agricultural fair in Caracas, where a smaller pro-Maduro demonstration was also staged. “We will not rest for a moment until the President returns,” Rodriguez stated, adding, “We will rescue him, of course, we will.”
Despite Maduro’s detention, the Biden administration has signaled openness to cooperation with the transitional authorities now in power. Preliminary talks have reportedly begun regarding the resumption of diplomatic relations, severed in 2019.
The US government has also indicated an interest in Venezuelan oil resources following Maduro’s removal from power.
The situation in Venezuela remains fluid, and DZWatch will continue to provide updates as they become available.
