NEW YORK – Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro has declared he remains president of Venezuela after pleading not guilty to drug trafficking and weapons-related charges during a dramatic first appearance before a New York court.
Maduro, speaking through an interpreter, told the court he was innocent and described himself as the legitimate head of state, according to CBS News.
“I’m innocent. I’m not guilty. I’m a decent man, the president of my country,” he said, rejecting the charges brought against him by US authorities.
His wife, Cilia Flores, who was arrested alongside him, also entered a plea of not guilty to drug trafficking and weapons charges.
The pair were seized from their Caracas residence over the weekend and flown to the United States in what US officials have described as a special forces operation — a move that has sparked sharp criticism from Caracas and raised questions at the United Nations.
Shackled appearance and courtroom tension
The arraignment, which lasted about 40 minutes, was marked by tense and emotional moments.
The sound of Maduro’s leg shackles could be heard as he was brought into the courtroom, where he turned to acknowledge members of the public, appearing to say “buenos días”.
Early in the hearing, the judge asked Maduro to confirm his identity — a routine procedure. Instead of a brief response, Maduro used the opportunity to claim he had been abducted.
“I was captured at my home in Caracas, Venezuela,” he said calmly in Spanish, prompting the judge to cut him short and say there would be another “time and place” for such statements.
The most dramatic exchange came at the end of the session, when a member of the public shouted at Maduro in Spanish that he would “pay” for his actions.
Maduro turned back and replied that he was a “kidnapped president” and a “prisoner of war” before being escorted out in shackles behind his wife.
The individual, who appeared emotional, was later asked to leave the courtroom.
Protests and next court date
Outside the courthouse, demonstrators waved placards reading “USA Hands-off Venezuela” and “Thank You President Trump”, highlighting the deep political divisions surrounding the case.
US media reports say the judge has ordered Maduro to appear again in court on March 17.
His lawyer told reporters that Maduro is not currently seeking bail, though that position could change at a later stage.
International reaction
The arrests have triggered international concern. At an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was worried that “rules of international law have not been respected” in the US operation involving Venezuela.
Back home, Venezuela is preparing for a political transition, with the country’s new leader, Delcy Rodríguez, expected to be sworn in before the National Assembly.
