On Sunday, Nicolás Maduro issued a new statement from the Brooklyn Detention Center, expressing support for "any path of dialogue" between the Venezuelan government and the opposition.
He also emphasized the importance of making August a month of "spiritual renewal for Venezuela," according to the message shared through the former president's Telegram account. This platform is also used to provide his followers with daily updates on the number of days he and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been held in what he describes as his "captivity."
"Discussing a NATIONAL RENEWAL as a common goal involves mutual respect in diversity and the inclusion of all," the message reads. "We welcome every avenue of dialogue that aids in consolidating peace, coexistence, and unity among Venezuelans."
The statement concludes with a direct appeal: "Let us make August a month of remarkable achievements, committed solidarity, sincere dialogue, and spiritual renewal for Venezuela. May God bless our Homeland! A big hug!"
The message precedes the first face-to-face meeting between representatives of the interim government led by Delcy Rodríguez and a Washington-supported opposition faction, scheduled for next week in Caracas.
The announcement of this meeting was confirmed on Saturday by both parties following a call between Jorge Rodríguez and Dinorah Figuera.
The agenda for the initial meeting includes addressing the victims of the dual earthquakes on June 24— which reportedly claimed over 5,000 lives— strengthening democracy, and discussing political rights and guarantees.
These talks are set to proceed without the direct involvement of opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado, who has stated she will not hinder the process.
Maduro, age 63, and Flores, age 69, were apprehended during a U.S. military operation on January 3, 2026, and are currently held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. They face charges related to drug trafficking, narcoterrorism, and offenses involving weapons and corruption.
Both have pleaded not guilty. Since his initial court appearance in New York, Maduro has claimed he was "kidnapped" and describes himself as "a prisoner of war."
This message is one of several the former leader has released from prison throughout 2026: during Easter, he called for unity and reconciliation; in March, he shared a religious-themed letter; and in June, he expressed solidarity after the earthquakes.
In April, the U.S. Treasury Department authorized the payment of legal fees for Maduro and Flores, which had been previously blocked by sanctions.
The trial for Maduro and Cilia Flores is set for June 1, 2027, before Federal Judge Alvin Hellerstein in the Southern District of New York, as announced by the court in late July.
Key Questions About Maduro's Imprisonment and Dialogue Efforts
What is the purpose of the upcoming meeting in Caracas?
The meeting aims to address the aftermath of the June 24 earthquakes, strengthen democracy, and discuss political rights and guarantees in Venezuela.
Why are Maduro and Cilia Flores in prison?
Maduro and Flores are detained on charges of drug trafficking, narcoterrorism, and crimes related to weapons and corruption.
How has Maduro described his imprisonment?
Maduro has claimed he was "kidnapped" and has referred to himself as "a prisoner of war" since his detention.