Venezuela’s abducted leader Nicolas Maduro, wife appear in NYC court

Al JazeeraCenterEN 4 min read 100% complete by Al Jazeera StaffJanuary 5, 2026 at 07:20 PM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, appeared in a New York City federal court on Monday, January 5, 2026, two days after being abducted from Caracas by US special forces. They pleaded not guilty to US charges of "narco-terrorism" and other offenses. Maduro's lawyers plan to contest the legality of his arrest, citing his immunity as head of state, despite the US not recognizing him as Venezuela's legitimate leader. The couple could face life in prison if convicted of working with drug cartels. Maduro's next court hearing is scheduled for March 17.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Colombia 30% Barry J Pollack ×240% United States special forces 60% New York City 60% US District Judge Alvin K Hellerstein ×260% Cilia Flores ×370% United States ×580% Venezuela ×580% Nicolás Maduro (Maduro) ×990%

Keywords

nicolas maduro 100% abduction 90% us special forces 80% venezuela 70% narco-terrorism 70% us court 60% cilia flores 60% drug cartels 50% legal battle 50% sovereign immunity 40%