New York: Kidnapped Venezuelan President Maduro Transferred to Court to Start His Trial

SadaNews - Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro will appear before a federal court judge in Manhattan, New York, on Monday, following his kidnapping early Saturday in a special military operation carried out by U.S. forces in Caracas.

During the session, Maduro will be officially informed of the charges against him, which include, according to U.S. allegations, drug-related terrorism and other crimes he has previously denied committing. The case has been assigned to Judge Alvin Hellerstein.

The federal indictment also includes Maduro's wife, son, and several senior officials in Venezuela, who have been charged with similar offenses. A plane carrying Maduro and his wife arrived in New York on Saturday evening, preparing for their court representation.

In contrast, interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez called on the United States to work together on a cooperation agenda within international law and promote communal coexistence, while U.S. President Donald Trump continued to issue threats, asserting that "if Venezuela does not comply, we will carry out a second strike," adding that his administration would engage with the new officials in Venezuela.

The Washington Post quoted U.S. officials stating that American forces deployed in the Caribbean remain on high alert in anticipation of any potential orders from President Trump to launch a second strike on Venezuela.

This force includes about 12 warships and dozens of fighter jets and drones, but they are not currently on the ground in Venezuela.

Officials clarified that it is unlikely that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Rubio will focus on daily policy management toward Venezuela given his broad responsibilities, while the White House is considering expanding the role of Trump's homeland security advisor to oversee operations related to the country.

Venezuelan Defense Minister General Vladimir Padrino Lopez announced that the armed forces are on alert to ensure national sovereignty following Maduro's arrest and the United States' exploitation of its vast oil reserves as part of a plan to manage a transitional phase in the country.