NEW: Maduro’s Wife ‘Visibly Injured’ In Court

The dramatic first U.S. courtroom appearance of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro took an unexpected turn Monday after observers noted visible injuries on his wife, Cilia Flores, prompting questions about her condition as the couple faced a federal judge in Manhattan.

According to a detailed courtroom account provided by CNN, Flores appeared with bandages on both her right temple and her forehead, injuries her attorney later referenced while discussing medical care. The visual immediately stood out as Maduro and his wife were escorted into the courtroom under heavy security.

CNN’s correspondent described the scene as surreal. Maduro entered wearing tan pants, an orange, scrub-like prison garment, and a blue shirt layered over it, speckled with what appeared to be white lint. He stood flanked by two attorneys, with Flores at his side. The longtime Venezuelan leader appeared composed, but the bandages on his wife’s head were unmistakable.

As proceedings began, Maduro departed from routine protocol. Rather than simply stating his name when prompted by the judge, he launched into a declaration, describing himself as a “prisoner of war” who had been captured from his home in Venezuela. He insisted he remained the legitimate president of the country, despite being in U.S. custody.

WATCH:

NEW: The wife of Nicolás Maduro had “significant injuries” in court, including on her temple and on her forehead.

Maduro reportedly spoke at one point and declared himself still the president of Venezuela.

Here is exactly what happened in court, according to CNN:

– Maduro’s… pic.twitter.com/GQ6ljBwmFL

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 5, 2026

The judge quickly intervened, cutting him off and explaining that there would be time later to challenge the legality of his removal from Venezuela and to address his defense. For the moment, the judge said, the court only needed confirmation of his identity. Maduro eventually complied, responding in Spanish, “Soy Nicolás Maduro Moro,” speaking directly without waiting for translation.

Throughout the exchange, Maduro repeatedly glanced toward Flores, who sat beside him with visible head bandages. Her injuries were later raised by her own attorney, who referenced ongoing medical attention as part of the proceedings.

When asked how he intended to plead, Maduro again used the moment to make a political statement. He declared himself innocent, said he was “not guilty,” described himself as a “decent man,” and once more claimed to be the sitting president of Venezuela.

Flores followed with her own remarks, telling the court that she is the first lady of the republic and denying all allegations outlined in the indictment. She pleaded not guilty and said she was “completely innocent.”

Both Maduro and Flores requested consular visits, asking that representatives from their country be allowed access. Maduro also made a personal request to the court, asking that his handwritten notes be respected and that he be allowed to retain them while in custody.

The hearing ended with yet another unusual moment. As court personnel escorted the couple out, a protester reportedly stood up in the courtroom and shouted that Maduro would “pay for what you have done.” According to CNN’s account, Maduro responded by pointing toward the sky, declaring himself “a man of God” and reiterating that he is the president of the Republic of Venezuela.

The appearance marked the first time Maduro and his wife have been seen publicly since their dramatic capture and transfer to the United States.

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