Deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro declared himself “innocent” and a “decent man” on Monday as he pleaded not guilty to federal drug trafficking and narco-terrorism charges during his first appearance in a U.S. courtroom following his dramatic capture and transfer to New York
“I’m innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man, the president of my country,” Maduro told the judge through an interpreter, repeatedly insisting that he remains Venezuela’s legitimate leader and describing himself as a “prisoner of war.”
Wearing a blue jail uniform, Maduro appeared calm and attentive, taking extensive notes and wishing reporters “Happy New Year” from the defense table. His wife, Cilia Flores, also pleaded not guilty, asserting her status as Venezuela’s first lady. Her lawyer told the court she suffered injuries during the U.S. operation, including possible rib fractures, prompting the judge to order medical care
U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein entered not-guilty pleas on behalf of both defendants and set the next court date for March 17, signaling the start of what is expected to be a prolonged and high-stakes legal battle. Maduro’s defense team said it will challenge the legality of his arrest, arguing he is immune from prosecution as a sovereign head of state
Outside the courthouse, dueling protests erupted, with demonstrators condemning the U.S. action as an illegal seizure for oil interests, while pro-intervention supporters backed the operation. Inside, the atmosphere remained orderly under heavy security
The case has triggered international shockwaves. At the United Nations, multiple countries raised concerns over the legality of the U.S. military raid. Russia’s ambassador condemned it as a return to “lawlessness,” while the UN Secretary-General warned the operation could set a dangerous global precedent. Denmark’s UN envoy also defended Venezuela’s sovereignty amid wider concerns over U.S. threats toward Greenland
In Venezuela, Maduro’s son Nicolás Maduro Guerra reappeared in parliament, denouncing the U.S. action as a global threat to political stability and demanding his parents’ return. Meanwhile, Venezuela’s Supreme Court appointed Delcy Rodríguez as interim president, backed by the military, even as Washington insists it is now “in charge” of the country
The Trump administration is reportedly exploring plans to reopen the U.S. embassy in Caracas, closed since 2019, and has defended the raid as a “surgical law enforcement operation.” Markets reacted swiftly, with oil prices rising and energy stocks jumping on expectations of greater access to Venezuela’s vast reserves
As Congress moves toward a potential war powers vote to limit further U.S. military action, and global leaders debate sovereignty versus intervention, Maduro’s courtroom appearance has become a flashpoint legally, politically, and geopolitically redefining power dynamics across Latin America and beyond
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