Nicolás Maduro, former president of Venezuela, released photographs from his detention facility in New York City. These are the first publicly disclosed images since U.S. forces arrested him and took him from Venezuela in January. Maduro stated he remains strong and confident, sending encouragement to his family and supporters, as he and his wife prepare to face U.S. court on drug trafficking and firearms charges.
Nicolás Maduro published two photos via his social media accounts, believed to be his first images from U.S. detention since his January arrest by U.S. forces. In the photos, Maduro wears a gray tracksuit and white sneakers, standing against a plain wall while flashing a peace sign. He appears noticeably thinner compared to before his detention.
Maduro posted a message in Spanish on his X and Telegram accounts, describing the photos as a "small gift" for his grandchildren, children, and loved ones. "I want you to know that we continue to stand firm, our hearts full of your love," he wrote.
He added that he and his wife, Cilia Flores, remain strong, calm, and confident. Referencing their religious faith, he said, "We will stay strong, calm, and confident. God is with us. God will provide everything. Venezuela will rise again."
Maduro also thanked his family and supporters for their prayers, assistance, and encouragement, stating that he and his wife will continue to stand firm in their faith in God.
Maduro and his wife were arrested by U.S. special forces in Caracas before being transported to the United States.
They are currently held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, facing charges related to drug trafficking and firearm possession, which they deny. Reports indicate Maduro has no access to newspapers or the internet in prison but can make phone calls to family and lawyers during designated times.
Sources close to the former Venezuelan leader say he is allowed about 300 minutes of phone calls per month with outsiders, limited to 15 minutes each. Another report states he has approximately 510 minutes monthly for such calls.
Nicolás Maduro Guerra, Maduro’s son, told El País newspaper that since his detention, his father spends most of his time reading the Bible and exchanging books with others.
Although Maduro released the photos on 30 August, the timestamps show they were taken on 25 June, just one day after two major earthquakes struck northern Venezuela. The quakes caused over 6,500 deaths and widespread damage near Caracas.
AFP news agency stated it tried to contact the detention facility to verify the authenticity of the photos and whether their release was authorized but has not received a response.
The photo release came just two days after Venezuela’s interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, announced a significant oil deal with the U.S., allowing American companies to operate in Venezuela’s oil fields. Some reports say the deal gives the U.S. control over most interests related to Venezuela’s oil reserves, marking a major development in bilateral relations and impacting the U.S. energy sector amid global oil market pressures caused by the U.S.-Iran conflict that has driven prices higher.
The federal court in New York announced the trial for Maduro and Flores is set to begin on 1 June 2027. Both deny the charges of conspiracy to smuggle cocaine into the U.S. If convicted by a jury, they face potential life sentences.
Maduro’s arrest followed a major U.S. military operation in Caracas that led to his capture and transfer to the U.S., amid ongoing political conflict and tension between the Venezuelan and U.S. governments.
These latest photos are the first public glimpse of Maduro’s condition in detention after months out of sight. Through his message, he affirmed he remains "strong, calm, and confident" despite facing a U.S. judicial process that could determine his future for many years.
/source/,Al Jazeera/FOX News