First Photo of Former Venezuelan President Since US Arrest Released
Former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro (63) has shared his first photograph since being arrested by the United States (US) military. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores (69), were brought to the US in January.
Maduro expressed a defiant attitude and steadfastness while awaiting trial in a high-security US federal facility. “I want you to know that we stand firm, our hearts are filled with your love,” Maduro wrote on the social media platforms X and Telegram, as reported by Anadolu Agency on Monday (31/8/2026).
In the photo uploaded on Sunday (30/8), Maduro is seen wearing grey sportswear. He also appears to have experienced significant weight loss since his arrest. The photographs were taken on 25 June. He is seen raising his index and middle fingers in a victory sign.
He described the post as a “small gift of love and hope” for his grandchildren, all children, and his supporters. “We will remain strong, calm, and confident: God is with us. God will provide. Venezuela will be reborn,” he wrote.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are currently being held without bail at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, US. Maduro and Flores face several federal indictments, including narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. Prosecutors allege they collaborated with cartels to smuggle thousands of tonnes of cocaine into the US.
Maduro and his wife have both pleaded not guilty. Their trial is set to take place next year.
“I am a good person. I am still the president of my country,” Maduro asserted during his indictment hearing in January.
Arrested January 2026, Trial set for June 2027
A US judge recently scheduled their trial to commence on 1 June 2027. The decision was made following a joint request from prosecutors and defence counsel.
Maduro and his wife were brought to the US on 3 January after the US military conducted an operation in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela.
According to AFP on Wednesday (22/7), during a hearing lasting approximately 20 minutes, Judge Alvin Hellerstein set the trial date for 1 June 2027, approving the joint request from prosecutors and defence counsel.
Maduro, wearing beige inmate uniform and glasses, did not speak throughout his third appearance in US court, other than to greet the bench upon entering the courtroom. Meanwhile, Flores, wearing similar attire with her blonde hair tied back, sat a few metres away. The couple was accompanied by their legal team.
Outside the Manhattan courthouse, protesters carried banners reading “Free President Maduro” while waving Venezuelan flags. Conversely, opposition demonstrators carried posters labelling Maduro and Flores as “dictators.”
Judge Hellerstein also set the next hearing date for 17 November 2026, specifically to hear motions of defence, including challenges to the legality of the arrest of Maduro and Flores.
As is known, since Maduro’s arrest, Venezuela has been led by his former vice president, Delcy Rodriguez. Meanwhile, the US effectively controls the country’s oil exports, with sales proceeds being directed into a special account under Washington’s supervision.
Charges against Maduro
US prosecutors accuse Maduro of using state power to protect and promote illegal drug trafficking, as well as conspiring with cartels to send tonnes of cocaine to the US.
Maduro denies the four charges against him, which include conspiracy to commit “narco-terrorism”, conspiracy to import cocaine, and possession of machine guns and explosives.
Flores also pleaded not guilty to three charges against her, namely conspiracy to import cocaine and possession of machine guns and explosives.
In April, the US government permitted Venezuela to fund the legal defence of Maduro and Flores, which was previously prohibited due to US economic sanctions. Previously, the couple sought to have the case dismissed on the grounds that blocking access to funding violated US Constitutional rights regarding the freedom to choose legal counsel.