Venezuela's captured President Maduro, his wife set to appear in New York court

By Seyit Kurt

ISTANBUL (AA) - Venezuela's captured President Nicolas Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores are set to appear before a court in New York on Monday, as prosecutors laid out charges, including narco-terrorism.

Maduro and his wife were being escorted by security officers wearing prison type of clothing.

US prosecutors allege that Maduro led and coordinated criminal networks linked to narcotics shipments bound for the US. Maduro has denied the accusations, and officials in Caracas have called for the couple’s release.

On Saturday, Trump said the US military action on Venezuela had resulted in the capture of Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, also pledging to assert American control over the country for the time being, with US troops if necessary.

After the US captured Maduro, Venezuela's Supreme Court directed Vice President Delcy Rodriguez to “immediately” assume the post of acting president.