Nicolás Maduro has appeared in a New York court alongside his wife, Cilia Flores, pleading not guilty to a sweeping list of US charges just days after being seized in Caracas in a dramatic American military operation.
The court appearance came as Venezuela’s parliament moved to swear in Delcy Rodríguez as interim president, deepening the political crisis gripping the country.
During the brief hearing, Maduro – shackled and flanked by US marshals – rejected the allegations and challenged the legitimacy of his detention.
“I am innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man, the president of my country,” he told the court, later adding that he had been “kidnapped” from his home before being transferred to the United States.
When entering his plea, he stated: “I am innocent, I am not guilty of anything that is mentioned here,” referring to the 25-page indictment.
Flores, who introduced herself as the first lady of Venezuela, also pleaded not guilty, telling the court she was “not guilty, completely innocent.” Both defendants waived their right to a speedy trial, with the case set to return to court on March 17.
US prosecutors allege Maduro faces charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and weapons offences, following what American officials described as a large-scale operation involving military aircraft and elite forces. His lawyers are expected to contest the legality of the arrest, arguing he retains immunity as a sovereign head of state.
Outside the Manhattan courthouse, demonstrators both for and against Maduro gathered, while tensions flared inside when a man shouted at the former leader: “You’re going to pay in the name of all the Venezuelan people.”
Maduro responded with a thumbs-up, saying: “I am a man of God, I am a prisoner of war,” before the man was removed from the courtroom.
As the legal battle unfolds in New York, Caracas has sought to stabilise governance. Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president, telling lawmakers she took office “in the name of all Venezuelans,” while her brother, parliamentary leader Jorge Rodríguez, vowed to pursue Maduro’s return.
“My main function in the days to come… as president of this National Assembly, will be to resort to all procedures, all platforms, and all avenues to bring back Nicolas Maduro Moros, my brother, my president,” he said.
The United States does not recognise Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate leader following the disputed 2024 election, and his court appearance marks a historic escalation in efforts to hold the long-time ruler accountable before a US judge.
Source: ABC News, The Australian
