His slanderous statements are intended to influence the development of the ongoing case.

On Thursday, ahead of the second hearing in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores, U.S. President Donald Trump made accusatory statements without evidence, showing clear interference in a judicial process already described by the Venezuelan leader’s defense as unfounded and illegitimate.

“The situation with Venezuela was a major military operation, capturing a very dangerous man who has killed many people and forced many others into our country,” the Republican leader said.

“Incredible. He emptied his prisons in Venezuela, he emptied his prisons into our country. I hope that charge is brought at some point, because it was a big charge that hasn’t been brought yet and it should be brought. He emptied his prisons in our country and was a major supplier of drugs that came into our country.”

“Now he’s been captured and, you know, I suppose he’ll get a fair trial. But I imagine there are other trials to come because he’s only been sued for a fraction of the things he’s done. Other cases are going to be brought,” Trump stated.

His statements, made without providing any evidence, seek to publicly influence the development of a case that originated in a violent and illegal military operation.

The U.S. president’s accusations come in the context of a judicial process that began after the forced abduction of President Nicolas Maduro and lawmaker Cilia Flores.

On Jan. 3, U.S. special forces entered Venezuelan territory, causing more than 100 fatalities. After an operation that included intense bombardment of the Venezuelan capital, Maduro and Flores were forcibly transferred to U.S. territory.

Since their initial appearance on Jan. 5, the Venezuelan presidential couple has remained held in isolation at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center. Their defense attorneys have pointed out the illegitimacy of the process from its origin, filing, just six days before this hearing, an urgent motion to dismiss all charges.

Trump’s statements not only lack evidence, but also underscore the political intent behind a trial framed within a strategy of sustained aggression against Venezuela.

His interference in a judicial branch outside his authority highlights how Washington seeks to manipulate public opinion and the legal system against leaders of sovereign nations, contravening international law principles.

teleSUR/ JF

Sources: The Guardian – Reuters – teleSUR

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