Deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro has released photographs from the New York jail where he is currently detained following his capture by U.S. forces. In a message shared on the Telegram messaging service on Sunday, the former leader stated that he remains "standing firm" and expressed his resilience while incarcerated.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were apprehended in Caracas during a U.S. military operation in January. They are currently being held in a Brooklyn, New York, facility, where they face charges related to drug trafficking and firearms possession. Both Maduro and Flores have denied the allegations and have entered pleas of not guilty. Their trial is scheduled to begin on June 1, 2027, according to an announcement from a federal court in New York made in late July.
In the two images shared on Sunday, Maduro is seen wearing a gray tracksuit and making peace signs with his hands, appearing to have lost weight since his initial capture. Although the photos were released on Sunday, metadata indicates they were captured on June 25, one day after twin earthquakes in northern Venezuela resulted in more than 6,500 fatalities and widespread damage.
"I am sending these photos as a small gift to all my grandchildren, to the boys and girls, and to all the good people who love us," Maduro wrote. He added, "I want you to know that we are standing firm, with our hearts full of your love," while concluding his message with sentiments of hope for Venezuela's future.
While in custody, Maduro does not have access to the internet or newspapers. According to a source close to the former leader, he is permitted to speak with his lawyers and family via telephone for up to 300 minutes per month, limited to 15-minute increments per call. His son, Nicolas Maduro Guerra, reported that his father is in good physical condition and spends his time studying the Bible.
The release of these photos follows a major shift in Venezuelan leadership. Two days prior, interim President Delcy Rodriguez announced a "historic" oil agreement allowing the United States to operate oil fields within Venezuela. Under the terms of the deal, the U.S. government will maintain a 55% stake in the joint venture, gaining both equity and the ability to source oil at cost. Rodriguez stated that the agreement is intended to help Venezuela become an "energy powerhouse" through American capital and technology.
In a separate post on Truth Social, Donald Trump remarked on the agreement, stating his intention to use Venezuelan oil to refill the U.S. Strategic National Reserves. Prosecutors in the United States allege that Maduro led a conspiracy to traffic thousands of tons of cocaine into the U.S. by colluding with Venezuelan law enforcement to assist drug kingpins. At his arraignment in January, Maduro declared, "I am not guilty. I am a decent man, the constitutional president of my country."
Quiero que sepan que estamos firmes, con el corazón lleno del amor de ustedes, ese amor que nos llega convertido en oración, en acción permanente, en solidaridad y en apoyo verdadero. Gracias infinitas por cada palabra, por cada gesto, por cada bendición. pic.twitter.com/8YstzkBakf
"We will remain strong, calm and confident: God is with us. God will provide. Venezuela will rise again," he concluded.
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Md. Kazi Bijoy is a dedicated tech enthusiast and content creator with a passion for digital innovation. With years of experience in the tech industry, he specializes in breaking down complex topics into easy-to-understand guides. When he isn’t writing, he explores the latest gadgets and researches emerging trends in the digital world.