Maduro says he is 'standing firm' in photo posts

Venezuela's deposed leader Nicolas Maduro said on Telegram on Sunday, August 30, that he was "standing firm," posting two photographs that appear to show him at the Brooklyn detention facility where he has been held since his capture by US forces.

AFP said it could not verify the authenticity of the photographs. AFP also said the detention center did not immediately respond to questions about whether the photographs were authentic and had been authorized.

Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were seized in Caracas during a US military operation in January. They are being detained in Brooklyn, New York, on drug trafficking and firearms possession charges, which they deny.

"I am sending these photos as a small gift to all my grandchildren, to the boys and girls, and to all the good people who love us," Maduro wrote. "I want you to know that we are standing firm, with our hearts full of your love."

In the two photographs, Maduro is wearing a gray tracksuit and making peace signs with his hands. He appears to have lost considerable weight since his capture.

The photographs emerged on Sunday, but camera data indicated they were taken on June 25, a day after twin deadly earthquakes killed more than 6,500 people and caused widespread destruction in northern Venezuela.

"We will remain strong, calm and confident: God is with us. God will provide. Venezuela will rise again," Maduro wrote.

The message was posted two days after interim President Delcy Rodriguez announced what she called a "historic" oil agreement allowing the United States to operate oil fields in Venezuela. Rodriguez says she has chosen diplomacy with the United States because she wants Venezuela to become an "energy powerhouse."

A person close to Maduro said he does not have access to newspapers or the internet in prison but is allowed to speak by telephone with his family and lawyers for about 300 minutes a month, with a maximum of 15 minutes per call.

Maduro's son, Nicolas Maduro Guerra, says his father is in good shape and spends his time studying the Bible.

A federal court in New York announced in late July that Maduro and Flores are due to go on trial in the United States on June 1, 2027.