Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro speaks out from US prison

Eight months after his capture by the US military, ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has spoken out from prison. He is “steadfast,” he wrote in a message to his compatriots in Venezuela published on the Telegram online service on Sunday. He also published photos that apparently show him posing with “Victory” signs in his prison in the New York borough of Brooklyn. The post was also shared on his X account.

“I am sending these photos as a little gift to all my grandchildren, to the boys and girls and to all the good people who love us,” the 63-year-old wrote. “I want you to know that we remain steadfast, with hearts filled with your love,” he added. In the two published photos, Maduro is wearing a gray tracksuit and showing the peace or victory sign with his hands. He appears to have lost significant weight since his arrest.

Maduro also thanked his supporters “for every word, for every gesture, for every blessing.” At the end of the message he quoted the Apostle Paul: “But in all this we have a brilliant victory through him who loved us.” He and his wife Cilia would remain strong, calm and confident. "God is with us. God will take care of us. Venezuela will be reborn."