Minute30.com .- The first appearance of Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores before the Manhattan federal court left revealing details about the defense strategy that the couple will assume. Through the official drawings of the court—given the ban on cameras—the former president and the former first lady could be seen flanked by a robust team of American lawyers.

The “high profile” defense

Maduro and Flores appeared alongside their defenders Mark Donnelly, Andrés Sánchez and renowned lawyer Barry Pollack. The latter, known for having defended Julian Assange, was in charge of communicating a key decision: for the moment, they will not request bail for Maduro.

Although Pollack did not rule out making the request later, the decision suggests that the defense recognizes the zero likelihood that Judge Alvin Hellerstein will grant this benefit due to the imminent risk of flight and the seriousness of the narcoterrorism charges.

Reports of attacks during capture

One of the most tense moments of the hearing occurred when Cilia Flores’ lawyer took the floor to report to the judge that his client “suffered significant injuries during her arrest.”

Although the defense did not detail the type of injuries or whether they were caused by the use of force during the military incursion in Caracas, the statement seeks to question the methods of the US operation. Judge Hellerstein took note of the complaint, while Flores remained silent, located to the right of the bench.

Key points from the hearing:

Both pleaded “not guilty” to all charges (narcoterrorism, cocaine trafficking and weapons possession).

Maduro insisted that his status is that of a “prisoner of war” and that he was “kidnapped” from his official residence.

The dictator stressed before the court: “I am still the president of Venezuela,” trying to ignore the authority of the North American judicial system.

The couple returned to their cells at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, while their lawyers begin the process of reviewing the evidence that the Prosecutor’s Office has against them, which includes testimonies from former allies and records of financial movements.

Read also: Fico Gutiérrez attacks those who say that Maduro is kidnapped and sends a strong message

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