Inside the courtroom, Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, maintained their stance of innocence in response to the criminal charges they face in the United States. An artist’s sketch depicted the pair as they stood in the courtroom, a moment captured amid the unfolding legal drama.

Meanwhile, the repercussions of the legal proceedings reverberated on the international stage, drawing the attention of the United Nations Security Council. In a session marked by heightened tensions, members debated the ramifications of the raid that had provoked strong condemnation from Russia, China, and Venezuela’s leftist allies.

During the hearing, Judge Alvin Hellerstein outlined the charges detailed in the indictment while Maduro, aided by an interpreter, listened attentively through headphones. At the judge’s request, Maduro stood to confirm his identity, responding in Spanish. Judge Hellerstein reminded the couple of their right to communicate their arrests to the Venezuelan consulate.

The legal case took a turn with the release of an updated indictment on Saturday, introducing additional details and naming new co-defendants, including Cilia Flores. As the story unfolds, the world continues to watch the developments closely, aware of the broader geopolitical implications.

An updated indictment made public on Saturday added some new details and co-defendants, including Flores.

US oil companies’ shares jumped on Monday, fueled by the prospect of access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.

Venezuela has the world’s largest reserves — about 303 billion barrels — but the sector has long been in decline from mismanagement, under-investment and US sanctions.

Acting president calls for ‘respectful’ relationship with US

“Our peoples and our region deserve peace and dialogue, not war.”

Just how the US would work with a post-Maduro government is unclear.