Maduro sends message of support from jail cell after deadly quake

Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has released a message from his jail cell in Brooklyn, expressing solidarity with people in Venezuela as the country continues recovery efforts following a devastating earthquake.

In a social media post dated June 28, Maduro said he and his wife, Cilia Flores, were praying for victims and those involved in rescue operations, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

“Cilia and I lift our prayers for those who have died, for the injured, for the missing, for their families, and for all those who continue fighting, minute by minute, to save lives,” Maduro said.

Flores is also being held on drug trafficking charges. The couple was captured during a US operation earlier this year.

In his message, Maduro also quoted from the 25th chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, writing:

“‘When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”

It remains unclear whether Maduro personally dictated the message from detention or whether it was prepared and approved by his team.

Venezuelan officials said the earthquake has left at least 1,450 people dead, with 3,150 others injured. National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez said at least 12,721 people have lost their homes as rescue and recovery efforts continue.

By Sabina Mammadli