Nicolas Maduro Pleads Not Guilty to US Charges

Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro appeared in a Manhattan federal court on Monday and pleaded not guilty to a series of U.S. criminal charges, including narco-terrorism, cocaine importation conspiracy and possession of machine guns and destructive devices.

Maduro, 63, was brought from Venezuela to New York after a dramatic U.S. military operation that seized him in Caracas late last week. Dressed in a beige jumpsuit, he stood before U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein and maintained his innocence, telling the court, “I’m innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man,” through an interpreter.

Allegations and Defenses

The U.S. indictment accuses Maduro of leading a sprawling cocaine-trafficking network that worked with violent criminal groups, including Mexican cartels, Colombian guerrillas and Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang. Prosecutors also allege Maduro illegally possessed weapons and destructive devices in connection with efforts to smuggle drugs into the United States.

Maduro’s defense attorney, Barry Pollack, who has previously represented high-profile clients like WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, is expected to challenge the legality of his capture and argue Maduro’s status as Venezuela’s legitimate head of state. Maduro himself told the judge he was “kidnapped” from his home in Caracas and denied all wrongdoing.

Supporters and Critics Gather Outside Court

Dozens of protesters, both supporting and opposing Maduro’s detention gathered outside the courthouse, many waving Venezuelan flags. Some welcomed his arrest as a turning point for Venezuela, while others decried it as a violation of national sovereignty and international law.

International Backlash and Political Fallout

The capture and arraignment have ignited global controversy. The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting to address concerns that the U.S. action breached international norms, with nations like Russia and China condemning the operation and demanding Maduro’s release.

Back in Venezuela, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has assumed the presidency in Maduro’s absence and has called for his immediate return. The crisis has deepened political instability in the country, intensifying debate over Venezuela’s future leadership.

Next Steps in the Case

Maduro’s arraignment was brief, and the next court hearing is expected to take place in March, as legal teams prepare for a potentially lengthy pre-trial process. If convicted, Maduro could face decades in prison under U.S. law.

The case marks a rare instance of a former foreign head of state standing trial in the United States and underscores mounting tensions in U.S.–Venezuela relations amid broader geopolitical concerns.