By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
New York — Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are scheduled to appear in a New York court on Monday in connection with multiple federal charges, including drug- and weapons-related offenses.
The Merit Newspaper reports that the court session is expected to last until 5:00 PM GMT (6:00 PM Nigerian time), drawing global attention. The appearance follows a dramatic U.S. military operation in Caracas on Saturday, during which Maduro and his wife were arrested and transported to New York. They were moved by helicopter and escorted in an armored convoy to the federal courthouse in lower Manhattan.
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Media from across the world and protesters have gathered outside the courthouse. Some oppose Maduro’s arrest and the U.S. operation, while others support his detention. Security forces are keeping a strict perimeter around the building.
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Meanwhile, Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodriguez has called for a “balanced and respectful” relationship with Washington during the political transition, even as U.S. President Donald Trump asserts that the United States is firmly in control of Venezuela.
