Maduro Tells US Court He Remains President

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro pleaded not guilty on Monday to multiple drug trafficking and related charges during a court appearance in New York. During the hearing, he told the judge that he remains Venezuela’s legitimate head of state.

“I am innocent. I am not guilty,” Maduro told the court, according to journalists present. He claimed that US forces “kidnapped” him from his residence in Caracas and said that US custody does not strip him of the presidency.

Wife Also Rejects Charges

Maduro appeared in court alongside his wife, Cilia Flores, who also pleaded not guilty. She denied all accusations brought by US prosecutors and said she bears no responsibility for the alleged crimes.

The judge scheduled the next court hearing for March 17.

Tense Courtroom Scenes

The hearing drew intense attention and unfolded under tight security. At one point, a brief verbal exchange erupted between Maduro and a member of the public in the courtroom. During the session, Maduro described himself as a “prisoner of war.”

Earlier in the day, images circulated showing Maduro and Flores arriving at court in handcuffs under heavy guard. The images quickly spread online and triggered strong reactions in Venezuela and abroad.

US Operation Sparks Political Fallout

According to US officials, special forces detained the couple during a military operation carried out over the weekend. Officials said the operation involved extracting them from the Fort Tiuna military complex in Caracas before flying them to New York.

In Caracas, authorities swore in Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim president. Government officials said the move aimed to ensure continuity of state institutions. During the ceremony, Rodríguez praised Maduro and Flores and accused the United States of violating Venezuela’s sovereignty.

Protests and International Reaction

Outside the New York courthouse, protesters gathered to denounce the US action. Demonstrators carried banners reading “Free Maduro” and “USA hands off Venezuela.” They accused Washington of foreign intervention.

Internationally, the operation has drawn criticism and raised concerns about escalation. Critics warn that the move could worsen tensions between the United States and Venezuela.

US officials said the operation followed months of planning. They added that it formed part of broader efforts to dismantle alleged drug trafficking networks linked to Venezuelan leadership. The US administration has defended the action, despite questions over congressional authorisation.