Venezuelan former President Nicolás Maduro appeared in a U.S. federal court in Manhattan, where he firmly pleaded not guilty to narco-terrorism and cocaine trafficking charges. During the arraignment, Maduro responded to the judge by saying, “I am innocent. I am a decent man. I am not guilty. I am the President of Venezuela.” He went on to describe himself as a “prisoner of war”, claiming he had been captured from his home in Caracas before being brought to the United States.
His wife, Cilia Flores, also pleaded not guilty to related drug-trafficking charges during the same hearing.
The former Venezuelan leader has been accused by U.S. prosecutors of involvement in a long-running cocaine trafficking operation linked to powerful criminal networks. Maduro, however, dismissed the allegations and insisted the case is driven by political motives rather than criminal wrongdoing. His statements in court emphasized his legitimacy as Venezuela’s head of state and portrayed the charges as an assault on his government.
High-Stakes Trial With Global Implications
The court set March 17 as the next hearing date, marking the beginning of what is expected to be one of the most closely watched international criminal trials in recent years. The charges against Maduro include narco-terrorism conspiracy and cocaine importation into the United States allegations he has repeatedly rejected.
The case has ignited global debate over sovereignty, international law, and the legality of the operation that resulted in Maduro’s transfer to U.S. custody. Supporters in Venezuela have described his arrest as a “kidnapping,” while U.S. officials argue that the prosecution is part of a wider crackdown on drug-trafficking networks.
For now, Maduro maintains his innocence and his presidency insisting he is a “decent man” wrongly accused. His wife stands beside him in the dock, also denying any wrongdoing, as both prepare to return to court in March to continue their defense.