Deposed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro made an appearance in a New York federal court on Monday, pleading not guilty to serious U.S. drug charges.
The dramatic moment followed his capture by American forces over the weekend.
Maduro, dressed in a blue prison uniform, described himself as a victim rather than a criminal.
“I am innocent. I am not guilty of anything that is mentioned here,” he told Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein.
He also called himself “a prisoner of war,” insisting the case was political.
The arraignment, which lasted less than 30 minutes, marked the first time the former Venezuelan leader stood before a U.S. judge.
However, the implications of the case appear far-reaching. Maduro faces charges including narco-terrorism and conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States, accusations he strongly denied.
Moreover, the case extends beyond Maduro alone. His wife, Cilia Flores, and son, Nicolás Ernesto Maduro Guerra, are also charged.
Flores entered her plea moments after her husband, stating clearly, “Not guilty. Completely innocent.” All defendants could face life sentences if convicted.
Despite his arrest, Maduro claimed he still holds power at home.
“I am still president of my country,” he told the court.
Flores echoed that stance, referring to herself as the “first lady of the Republic of Venezuela.”
However, the United States does not recognize Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate leader.
Meanwhile, Maduro’s legal team signaled a strong defense ahead. Attorney Barry J. Pollack argued that his client remains “head of a sovereign state and entitled to the privilege” that status brings.
He added that detailed filings would challenge the “legality of his military abduction.”
In addition, Flores’s lawyer, Mark Donelly, revealed that she needs medical care for rib injuries. Both defendants agreed to remain in custody while the case proceeds. Maduro’s next court date has been scheduled for March 17.
As Maduro left the courtroom, tensions flared. After being called “illegitimate,” he responded in Spanish, saying, “I am a kidnapped president.”
Meanwhile, political change was unfolding in Caracas. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president on Monday.
She has served since 2018 and was publicly backed by U.S. President Donald Trump as a likely successor.
“She, I think, was quite gracious, but she really doesn’t have a choice,” Trump said. “She is essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again. Very simple.”
