Maduro Claims Abduction in U.S. Court, Pleads Not Guilty to Drug Charges
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro asserted his position as the legitimate leader of Venezuela during his appearance in a New York federal court, where he entered a not guilty plea to charges of drug trafficking and other alleged offenses. This court appearance occurred just two days after he claimed to have been taken by surprise and detained by US special forces in what he described as an unexpected operation.
On Monday, Judge Alvin Hellerstein detailed the allegations against Maduro, which encompass “narco-terrorism conspiracy,” and requested a plea from him. The Venezuelan leader declared, “I am innocent. I am not guilty of anything that is mentioned here.”
Nicolas Maduro and his spouse, Cilia Flores, were escorted under armed security to the federal court in Manhattan, departing from the Metropolitan Detention Center, a widely known detention facility in Brooklyn.
Following a brief court session where charges were formally presented, Maduro proclaimed himself a “prisoner of war” and asserted his resolve to achieve freedom.
The trial for the couple may not commence for more than a year.
Maduro, along with his spouse, was taken from their Caracas home on Saturday and transported by helicopter out of Venezuela. They were subsequently moved aboard a warship, covering a distance of approximately 3,400 kilometers to New York City, where they are set to face federal charges.
Wearing a prison uniform and handcuffs, Maduro was escorted into the courthouse, where he once again declared to the court that he had been “kidnapped” and maintained his stance that he is still the president of Venezuela.
The operation culminating in Maduro’s capture marked the culmination of months of escalating pressure and a substantial military presence off the Venezuelan coast. This period witnessed numerous assaults on suspected narcotics vessels, leading to at least 115 fatalities.
Caracas has strongly refuted allegations of involvement in drug trafficking, asserting that Washington’s intentions are driven by a desire to depose the Venezuelan leader in order to seize control of the country’s substantial oil resources.
Hours following the assault on Venezuela, Trump announced that the United States would temporarily manage Venezuela and play a significant role in overseeing the nation’s oil industry.
In a significant political development, Delcy Rodríguez, who has been serving as the vice president under Maduro, was officially inaugurated early Monday as Venezuela’s interim president.
Rodríguez, aged 56 and a significant figure within Maduro’s inner circle, has received backing from Venezuela’s military as an interim leader.
She criticized the United States’ assault, labeling it as a breach of the United Nations Charter and an independent move to instigate “regime change” in Venezuela shortly after its commencement.
She maintained that Maduro remained the rightful leader of the nation.
On Saturday, Trump announced that his administration had established communication with Rodríguez, indicating her willingness to collaborate with Washington.
On Sunday, Trump issued a warning of potential military strikes should Rodríguez fail to comply with certain expectations. Moreover, Trump hinted at the possibility of directing military action toward Colombia.
