Maduro expresses gratitude to backers in initial social media update from American jail

Nicolas Maduro, the ousted Venezuelan president, and his wife Cilia Flores expressed their unwavering resolve and calm demeanor in their first social media post from prison, which was shared on Saturday.

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Maduro and his wife have been detained in a Brooklyn jail for nearly three months, following a nighttime raid by US forces in January, and have reportedly been without access to the internet or newspapers during their imprisonment.

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The couple's message, posted on Maduro's X account, conveyed their appreciation for the support they have received, stating "We are well, steadfast, serene and in constant prayer" and acknowledging the numerous communications they have received from their supporters.

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According to a source close to the Venezuelan government, Maduro spends his time reading the Bible and is referred to as "president" by some of his fellow detainees in the Metropolitan Detention Center, a federal prison notorious for its unsanitary conditions.

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Maduro is only permitted to communicate with his family and lawyers by phone for a maximum of 15 minutes per call, according to the source, who provided insight into the former president's life in prison.

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Nicolas Maduro Guerra, Maduro's son, has publicly stated that his father is doing well, remains calm, and is even exercising while in prison, offering a glimpse into the former president's life behind bars.

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Maduro, who has declared himself a "prisoner of war," had not spoken publicly since his arraignment in New York on January 5, but on Saturday, he and his wife expressed their admiration for the Venezuelan people's resilience in the face of adversity.

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In a recent court hearing, a judge rejected a defense motion related to Maduro and his wife's ability to afford their legal fees without assistance from the Venezuelan government, with neither Maduro nor his wife speaking during the court appearance.

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Maduro has pleaded not guilty to charges including "narco-terrorism" conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices, with the January operation that led to his ouster marking a significant shift in Venezuela's leadership.

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Delcy Rodriguez, who served as Maduro's vice president since 2018, is now leading the country, which is grappling with an economy in shambles despite having the world's largest proven oil reserves.

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Since taking office, Rodriguez has enacted a historic amnesty law to free political prisoners and reformed oil and mining regulations to align with US demands for access to Venezuela's natural wealth.

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This month, the State Department announced that it is restoring diplomatic ties with Venezuela, signaling a thaw in relations between the two countries.