← Latest briefing

World News

Nicolás Maduro releases New York prison photos as U.S.-Venezuela oil deal proceeds

The deposed Venezuelan leader posted images from his Brooklyn jail cell, where he and his wife await a 2027 trial on federal drug and weapons charges.

The short version

  • Deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro published photos from a Brooklyn detention center, declaring he is "standing firm" while awaiting trial on federal drug trafficking and firearms charges.
  • The photos emerged shortly after interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez and U.S. President Donald Trump announced an oil agreement giving the U.S. majority control over vast Venezuelan reserves.
  • Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have pleaded not guilty to U.S. federal charges following their capture by U.S. forces in Caracas in January.
  • Their federal trial in New York is scheduled to begin on June 1, 2027.

Key facts

  • Nicolás Maduro posted photos taken on June 25 inside a Brooklyn jail, stating via Telegram that he and his wife remain firm.[CBS News]
  • Maduro and Cilia Flores were captured during a U.S. military operation in Caracas in January and face drug trafficking and firearms charges.[CBS News]
  • Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to charges carrying potential life sentences.[CBS News]
  • A New York federal court set the trial start date for June 1, 2027.[CBS News]
  • Interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez announced an oil agreement allowing U.S. operation of Venezuelan oil fields, with U.S. officials stating the government will hold a 55% stake in the joint venture.[CBS News]

Sources