Former Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro has released new photographs from behind bars alongside an emotional message asking supporters for their prayers, solidarity and “true support.”
The photographs, posted to Maduro’s official X account on Sunday, show the former dictator looking noticeably slimmer than during his years in power.
Dressed in a gray sweatshirt and sweatpants with white sneakers, Maduro smiles and flashes victory signs while standing against the bare walls of his detention facility.
The images are dated June 25 but were only released publicly this weekend.
Maduro accompanied the photographs with a message titled “A Small Gift of Love and Hope,” addressed to his grandchildren, children and supporters.
“I send these photos as a small gift to all my grandsons and granddaughters, to the boys and girls, and to all the noble people who love us,” Maduro wrote.
“I want you to know that we stand firm, with our hearts full of your love, that love that reaches us transformed into prayer, into constant action, into solidarity and true support.”
“Infinite thanks for every word, for every gesture, for every blessing.”
Pequeño regalo de amor y esperanza
Envío estas fotos como un pequeño regalo a todos mis nietos y nietas, a los niños y niñas, y a toda la gente noble que nos ama. pic.twitter.com/Z6u3130arn
— Nicolás Maduro (@NicolasMaduro) August 30, 2026
Despite being a revolutionary socialist, Maduro invoked his supposed Christian faith as he sought to reassure supporters that his imprisonment would eventually come to an end.
“Enjoy this small gift with joy and hope. Cilia and I embrace you forever, with our souls devoted to you and with our faith in God intact.”
He then quoted the Apostle Paul before declaring that Venezuela would eventually be “reborn.”
“As the Apostle Paul says: ‘But in all these things we obtain a wide victory, thanks to the one who loved us’ (Rom 8:37).
“We will remain strong, serene, and confident: God is with us. God will provide. Venezuela will be reborn.”
— Nicolás Maduro (@NicolasMaduro) August 30, 2026
Maduro’s life is markedly different than that which he lived in the Miraflores presidential palace where he once ruled.
He and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been detained in the U.S.since January, when U.S. forces captured the pair in Venezuela and transported them to face federal charges.
Maduro has pleaded not guilty and continues to challenge his detention.
