Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela's president, was spotted being transported to a New York City courthouse yesterday as part of his first appearance following his abduction by US forces last weekend. The Venezuelan leader, 69, appeared disheveled and tired, but unharmed in the footage obtained by Al Jazeera.
According to sources, Maduro was taken into custody by the US military on Saturday evening after landing in New York City from a private jet that had departed from Venezuela. He is currently being held at the Manhattan Federal Courthouse where he will face charges related to alleged election tampering and human rights abuses during his rule.
The US government's actions against Maduro have been widely condemned by Venezuelan officials, with many accusing the United States of trying to interfere in the country's internal affairs. The incident has sparked tensions between the two nations, with Venezuela's President-elect Henry Arreaza threatening to take action at the United Nations over what he called "aggression" by the US.
The court appearance is part of a broader effort by US authorities to hold Maduro accountable for his alleged role in undermining democratic institutions and rights in Venezuela. The move has been hailed as a significant step forward by some human rights groups, who have long criticized Maduro's regime for its poor human rights record.
According to sources, Maduro was taken into custody by the US military on Saturday evening after landing in New York City from a private jet that had departed from Venezuela. He is currently being held at the Manhattan Federal Courthouse where he will face charges related to alleged election tampering and human rights abuses during his rule.
The US government's actions against Maduro have been widely condemned by Venezuelan officials, with many accusing the United States of trying to interfere in the country's internal affairs. The incident has sparked tensions between the two nations, with Venezuela's President-elect Henry Arreaza threatening to take action at the United Nations over what he called "aggression" by the US.
The court appearance is part of a broader effort by US authorities to hold Maduro accountable for his alleged role in undermining democratic institutions and rights in Venezuela. The move has been hailed as a significant step forward by some human rights groups, who have long criticized Maduro's regime for its poor human rights record.