Ousted Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro has issued his first public message from a US prison, saying he remains “steadfast” and “serene” nearly three months after his dramatic capture.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where they await trial on serious drug trafficking and weapons charges.
In a message shared via his X account on Saturday, the couple said they were drawing strength from supporters despite strict detention conditions.
“We are well, steadfast, serene and in constant prayer,” the statement read.
The message, whose original poster remains unclear, marked Maduro’s first known public communication since his January arraignment in New York, where he pleaded not guilty.
Strict conditions in US custody
Maduro is being held under tight security in the Brooklyn facility, a pre-trial jail that houses high-risk detainees. Reports indicate his communication is heavily restricted, with no access to the internet or newspapers and limited 15-minute calls with family and legal representatives.
The prison itself has faced longstanding criticism over safety and conditions, with allegations of violence, understaffing and poor infrastructure.
Despite this, sources close to his family say Maduro maintains a routine that includes exercise and reading religious texts.
Facing serious charges
US prosecutors accuse Maduro of leading a narco-terrorism network that trafficked large quantities of cocaine into the United States. He also faces weapons-related charges, all of which he denies.
If convicted, the former leader could face life imprisonment.
His legal team is currently battling restrictions on access to Venezuelan state funds for his defence, an issue that recently came under scrutiny in a US court.
Political fallout in Venezuela
Following his removal from power in January, leadership in Caracas shifted to Delcy Rodríguez, who has since introduced policy changes including amnesty measures and reforms in the oil sector.
In their message, Maduro and Flores praised supporters at home and abroad, saying:
“We feel a deep admiration for our people’s unity in difficult times.”
