Nicolas Maduro Sends Message and Photos from US Prison: Asserts He Remains Steadfast
The impeached former leader of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, shared his latest photos from a detention centre in the United States via social media on Sunday. In the post, Maduro asserted that he remains in a steadfast and strong condition.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were arrested by US military forces in Caracas last January. They are currently being held in a detention facility in Brooklyn, New and York, on charges of drug trafficking and firearms possession, allegations which they have firmly denied.
“I am sending these photos as a small gift to all my grandchildren, to my sons and daughters, and to all the good people who love us,” Maduro wrote via the Telegram messaging service.
“I want you all to know that we stand firm, with hearts full of love from you all,” he added.
In the two circulating photos, Maduro is seen wearing grey sportswear while making a peace symbol with his fingers. Physically, he appears to have experienced significant weight loss since his initial arrest.
Although the photos were only uploaded on Sunday, camera metadata indicates they were captured on 25 June. This date coincides with one day after twin deadly earthquakes killed more than 6,500 people and caused widespread damage in northern Venezuela.
“We will remain strong, calm, and confident: God is with us. God will provide. Venezuela will rise again,” Maduro concluded in his message.
AFP news agency has not yet been able to independently verify the authenticity of the photos. AFP has attempted to contact the detention facility where Maduro is being held to confirm the authenticity and permission for publication, but has received no official response.
Maduro’s message emerged just two days after Venezuela’s Interim President, Delcy Rodriguez, announced a “historic” oil deal allowing the United States to operate oil fields in Venezuela. Rodriguez, who governs under heavy pressure from Washington, stated that she “chose the path of diplomacy” with the US to restore Venezuela’s position as an “energy power.”
According to sources close to the former leader, Maduro does not have access to newspapers or the internet while in prison. However, he is permitted to communicate via telephone with his family and lawyers with an allowance of approximately 300 minutes per month, with each call limited to a maximum duration of 15 minutes.
His son, Nicolas Maduro Guerra, stated that his father is in good condition and spends his time in detention studying the Bible. Meanwhile, the Federal Court in New York announced in late July that the trial for Maduro and his wife is scheduled to begin on 1 June 2027.