The wife of deposed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro suffered “significant injuries” during a U.S. military raid on the couple’s Caracas compound over the weekend, according to her attorney.
Cilia Flores and Maduro were captured in a dramatic overnight operation on Saturday, Jan. 3, and made their first appearances in federal court in New York City on Monday, Jan. 5. Both appeared in prison clothing and leg shackles.
Maduro has been indicted on four charges, including narco-terrorism and conspiracy to import cocaine, and has pleaded not guilty. Flores also entered a not-guilty plea to related charges. In court, Maduro declared himself Venezuela’s president, while Flores identified herself as the “first lady of the Republic of Venezuela.”
“Not guilty, completely innocent,” Flores said in Spanish through a court interpreter, as Maduro stood with his hands clasped and head bowed.
The indictment also names Maduro’s son, two senior Venezuelan officials, and an alleged leader of the Tren de Aragua gang.
The Trump administration has cited the charges as justification for removing Maduro from power.
Flores’ attorney, Mark Donnelly—a former federal prosecutor—told the court that she sustained “significant injuries during her abduction” when U.S. military forces raided their compound in Caracas.
President Donald Trump has previously described the operation, saying Maduro attempted to reach a safe room but was seized before he could secure the door.
“He was trying to get to a safe place, which wasn’t safe,” Trump said at a press conference, adding that U.S. forces would have breached the door within seconds if necessary.
Flores appeared in court with bandages on her face and complained of bruised ribs, according to her attorney. U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein instructed prosecutors to coordinate with the defense to ensure she receives appropriate medical care while the case proceeds.
