New Prison Photos Released
Nicolás Maduro, the ousted Venezuelan president, appeared in photographs posted to his social media accounts Sunday, offering a glimpse of him inside a US detention centre. The images were shared on his official X account, according to multiple outlets.
In the photos, Maduro is seen wearing a grey tracksuit and white sneakers, smiling and making peace signs. The post caption reads: "I send these photos as a small gift to all my grandsons and granddaughters, to the boys and girls, and to all the noble people who love us."
Maduro added, "I want you to know that we stand firm, with our hearts full of your love, that love that reaches us transforms into prayer, into constant action, into solidarity and true support. Infinite thanks for every word, for every gesture, for every blessing."
The message concludes with a reference to his wife and his religious beliefs: "Cilia and I embrace you forever, with our souls devoted to you and with our faith in God intact."
According to ABC Australia, camera data attached to the images indicates they were taken on June 25, a day after Venezuela was struck by two devastating earthquakes. The death toll from those quakes stands at more than 6,500. ABC Australia reported it confirmed the images were not created using artificial intelligence, but was unable to independently verify the location or time they were taken.
Background: Capture and Detention
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured in Caracas during a US military operation in January and transported to detention in Brooklyn, New York, according to multiple outlets. Fox News reported Maduro has been in custody for eight months at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. The News International described his detention as occurring "after a military operation in Caracas," with relocation to a prison in New York.
Maduro faces drug trafficking charges, and the Trump administration accuses the couple of facilitating drug trafficking and firearms offences harmful to the US, according to ABC Australia. The News International listed charges including funding terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine, and possession of war weapons.
Trial and Communication
A federal court in New York announced last month that Maduro and his wife's trial will begin on June 1, 2027, according to ABC Australia. Fox News similarly reported the trial is expected in June 2027.
Maduro's son, Nicolás Maduro Guerra, said his father has 510 minutes a month for conversations with people outside the prison, as reported by Fox News. ABC Australia reported that Maduro does not have access to newspapers or the internet in prison, but is allowed to speak by telephone with his family and lawyers for about 500 minutes a month, with a maximum of 15 minutes per call, according to AFP citing a source close to the former leader.
Maduro Guerra told Spanish news outlet El Pais: "I believe that he was prepared for this," according to ABC Australia. He also said his father is in good shape and spends his time studying the Bible.
Maduro's post included a Bible passage quoting the Apostle Paul on the concept of a victory "thanks to the ones who loved us" and a pledge that "Venezuela will be reborn," as reported by ABC Australia and Fox News.
Oil Agreement
Maduro's online post came two days after his successor, interim President Delcy Rodriguez, announced a "historic" oil agreement allowing the United States to operate oil fields in Venezuela, according to ABC Australia. Ms Rodriguez said she has "chosen the path of diplomacy" with the US because she wants Venezuela to become an "energy powerhouse."
Public Reaction
On social platform X, users have been sharing their views on the post. One user wrote, "We are with you Nicolás and Cilia also awaits you with love and joy thank you for being in your heart." Another added, "Thanks for reminding us that you're in prison; you brightened my Sunday morning. Your political prisoners didn't have that chance to take selfies while you were torturing them," as reported by The News International.