$VZLAJan 3, 2026
Arrest or kidnapping? Both words are claimed
SATIRE: not a real booking photo
CASE: seized Jan 3, 2026
Nicolás Maduro, 2023. Photograph by Ricardo Stuckert. CC BY 2.0.
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The New York Times reported that US forces seized Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores in Caracas on Jan 3, 2026, and that Trump said the US would “run” Venezuela. Maduro pleaded not guilty and said “I am still president of my country.”
Cuba said 32 of its personnel were killed. Venezuela’s minister said 47 soldiers were killed. The State Department had raised the reward to $50 million on Aug 7, 2025.
Massie’s word, in the BBC live account of his articles, is “an illegal kidnapping.” Hegseth’s word is “brought to justice.” The case is before Judge Analisa Torres. Law.com puts the trial on June 14, 2027, and a hearing on Dec 17. La Opinión reported the defense seeking dismissal on sovereign-immunity grounds.
The question
Who gets to name a seizure before a judge does?
Questions
Was Maduro kidnapped?
Thomas Massie says the capture was an illegal kidnapping. Pete Hegseth says he was brought to justice. A verdict is not in.
When is the trial?
June 14, 2027, according to Law.com.
How many people died in the raid?
Cuba said 32 of its personnel. Venezuela’s minister said 47 soldiers. Those are their figures.
You decide
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