Deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro on Monday pleaded not guilty to narco-terrorism charges before a federal court in New York, insisting that Maduro rejects charges claims of wrongdoing and remains the legitimate president of Venezuela.
Appearing before a judge in Manhattan, the 63-year-old described his arrest as an unlawful act, telling the court that he had been “kidnapped” from his country.
According to US media reports, Maduro declared, “I’m innocent; I’m not guilty,” while maintaining that Maduro rejects charges claims brought against him by the United States.
Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, who was arrested alongside him, also entered a plea of not guilty. The couple were captured during a US military operation in Caracas over the weekend, involving air and naval support.
Following the operation, United States President Donald Trump announced that Washington was assuming control of Venezuela, citing the need to stabilise the country and revive its struggling oil industry. The move has triggered widespread international reactions.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the situation raised serious concerns about respect for sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity. Several Latin American leaders also criticised the US action, describing it as a dangerous precedent.
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Despite the developments, Maduro reiterated in court that Maduro rejects charges claims and continues to regard himself as Venezuela’s lawful president.
His stance has drawn support from loyalists at home, with lawmakers in the Venezuelan parliament chanting slogans in his favour during a session on Monday.
Maduro, who has been in power since 2013 after succeeding Hugo Chávez, has faced long-standing allegations from the United States and the European Union of electoral manipulation, repression of opposition figures and widespread corruption, claims he has consistently denied.