'I'm a prisoner of war' - In the room for Maduro's dramatic court hearing
BBC••nation
Key Points:
- Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, appeared in a New York City federal courtroom for the first time, pleading not guilty to charges including narco-terrorism and weapons offenses.
- Maduro claimed he was "kidnapped" during a US operation that led to their arrest at their Venezuelan compound, but the judge interrupted to keep the focus on court proceedings.
- Both were transferred to a New York jail, wore headphones for Spanish translation during the arraignment, and did not seek bail, remaining in federal custody.
- The arrest involved US strikes on Venezuelan military bases, causing emotional reactions among observers, including a Venezuelan reporter whose family home was damaged.
- The next court hearing is scheduled for March 17
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