CARACAS: Ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores said they feel “steadfast” and “serene” in their first social media message since being detained by US forces in January.
The couple has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center Brooklyn for nearly three months after American commandos captured them during a night raid in Caracas. Reports suggest they have had no access to the internet or newspapers.
In a message posted on Maduro’s X account, the pair said they were “well, steadfast, serene and in constant prayer,” adding that public messages of support had strengthened them spiritually. It was not immediately clear who published the post on their behalf.
A source close to the Venezuelan government told AFP that Maduro spends time reading the Bible and is referred to as “president” by some fellow detainees. He is reportedly allowed to communicate with family and lawyers by phone for a maximum of 15 minutes per call.
Maduro’s son, Nicolas Maduro Guerra, has said publicly that his father remains calm and continues exercising while in custody.
Court proceedings
Maduro has not spoken publicly since his arraignment in New York on January 5, where he pleaded not guilty to US federal charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation, drug trafficking, money laundering, and weapons-related offences.
During a recent court hearing, a judge rejected a defence request regarding the couple’s legal fees. Neither Maduro nor Flores addressed the court.
Political developments in Venezuela
Maduro’s removal ended his presidency, which began in 2013, and significantly reshaped relations with the United States. US President Donald Trump’s administration has since moved to restore diplomatic ties with Venezuela.
Former vice president Delcy Rodríguez is now leading the country and has introduced an amnesty law freeing political prisoners and reformed oil and mining regulations to align with US demands for access to Venezuela’s vast natural resources.
The US State Department recently confirmed the restoration of diplomatic relations, signalling a thaw in ties between Washington and Caracas.