Nicolás Maduro, the former president of Venezuela, and his wife, Cilia Flores, entered not guilty pleas on Monday during their initial appearance in a federal courthouse in Manhattan.
The couple faced charges stemming from a 2020 U.S. indictment alleging narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and conspiracy involving collaboration with Colombian guerrillas to traffic cocaine into the United States.
Speaking through an interpreter, Maduro maintained his innocence, stating, “I am innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man. I am still the president of my country.” He characterized his transfer to U.S. custody as a “kidnapping.”
U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein scheduled the next hearing for March 17.
Maduro’s appearance follows his removal from power in a U.S. military operation conducted over the weekend, shortly after he had been sworn in for a third term on January 10, 2025, following a presidential election widely disputed as fraudulent by opposition figures and international observers.
In Venezuela, Delcy RodrÃguez, a close ally of Maduro, has assumed the role of interim president. She initially condemned the U.S. action but has since indicated potential openness to dialogue.
The Trump administration has described the operation as a success in addressing longstanding concerns over drug trafficking and governance in Venezuela.
Reactions to Maduro’s detention have varied internationally, with celebrations reported among Venezuelan diaspora communities and expressions of concern from some governments regarding regional stability.
Maduro’s tenure, which began in 2013 following the death of Hugo Chávez, was marked by severe economic challenges, widespread emigration, and allegations of human rights abuses and corruption, which he and his supporters have consistently denied.
Legal proceedings are expected to continue as Venezuela navigates this transitional period.
