Christine Drews Sieger
New details about Nicolás Maduro’s imprisonment have surfaced as Donald Trump escalates tensions by suggesting that Venezuela could move toward becoming America’s “51st state.”
In a recent interview with Der Spiegel, new information has emerged about former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
The interview was conducted with Maduro’s only son, known as “Nicolasito.” He stated that his father is imprisoned in New York, sharing a cell with 18 other inmates.
Back in January, Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were arrested by American forces in Caracas. They were later transferred to the United States, where Maduro was charged with narco-terrorism and involvement in cocaine smuggling into the U.S.
Rejects the accusations
The family has rejected all accusations, claiming that the case is politically motivated.
According to Maduro’s son, the government did not make an effort to protect Maduro. Instead, he believes that Venezuela underestimated the risk of direct American intervention.
Furthermore, he dismissed claims that the United States is now controlling Venezuela. He pointed to the country’s new economic reforms, which are decisions made by the Venezuelan authorities themselves, Der Spiegel reports.
New conflict with Trump
The debate escalated further following Donald Trump’s recent remarks during a phone call with Fox News.
Trump explained that he sees Venezuela moving toward becoming America’s 51st state. Among other reasons, he cited the country’s vast oil wealth and claimed that he is popular among Venezuelan citizens.
“Venezuela loves Trump,” Trump said during the call.
Sources: Der Spiegel, Fox News
