Maduro, who arrived in court in handcuffs, along with his wife Cilia Flores, face serious charges related to drug trafficking and illegal weapons. (Image X @ArjunRao999)
New York: Venezuela's ousted president Nicolás Maduro insisted that he is innocent during his appearance a federal court in Manhattan, New York on Monday.
Maduro, who arrived in court in handcuffs, along with his wife Cilia Flores, face serious charges related to drug trafficking and illegal weapons.
US officials say the action is the result of a long-running investigation. Maduro, however, maintained his innocence and claimed that he is still the legitimate president of Venezuela. This case has further strained US-Venezuela relations and is drawing sharp reactions globally.
Nicolás Maduro's lawyer, Barry Pollack, called his arrest a "military abduction" and said that a long and complex legal battle would ensue. Maduro has not yet requested release but has reserved the right to do so in the future. Meanwhile, the lawyer for Maduro's wife, Cilia Flores, requested a medical examination, citing serious injuries.
The court ordered Nicolás Maduro to appear again on March 17 for the next hearing. Judge Alvin Hellerstein issued this order after the arraignment process. Maduro is currently in judicial custody on drug and weapons-related charges.
During the hearing, Nicolás Maduro continuously took notes and asked Judge Alvin Hellerstein for permission to keep them, which the court granted. The prosecution did not object. The judge informed Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, of their right to notify the Venezuelan consulate of their arrest. Both expressed a desire to meet with consular officials.
After Nicolás Maduro's "not guilty" plea, the judge confirmed his wife Cilia Flores's identity and legal representation. Speaking through an interpreter, Flores also denied the charges.
"I am completely innocent," she said.
The court entered both pleas into the official record.
Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro declared himself innocent in court.
"I am innocent, I am still the president of my country," Maduro said.
Judge Alvin Hellerstein interrupted him during his statement. Maduro said he had seen the indictment but had not read it completely and had only partially discussed it with his lawyer.
Nicolás Maduro was brought into the courtroom at 12:01 PM. He shook hands with his lawyer and sat down in his seat, wearing a blue prison uniform. His wife, Cilia Flores, was then brought into the courtroom. Both wore headsets to hear the translation. Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein began the proceedings at 12:03 PM.
Maduro was represented in court by American trial lawyer Barry Pollack, who has also represented Julian Assange. Maduro's wife, Cilia Flores, was represented by Mark Donnelly, a specialist in white-collar crime cases.
According to US officials, the action against Maduro is the result of a long-running investigation and indictment. Maduro and his close associates already face charges in the US for drug trafficking, illegal arms dealing, and organized crime. These charges will now proceed through the legal process in a New York court.
The arrest and arraignment of Maduro in the US have drawn sharp international reactions. Some of Maduro's allies, including China and Iran, have demanded his immediate release from the US. Beijing has called the action a clear violation of international law and stated that detaining the leader of a sovereign nation in this manner is unacceptable.
Meanwhile, the process of political transition in Venezuela has accelerated. Following Maduro's arrest, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has been appointed as the country's new leader. She is expected to be sworn in before the National Assembly soon.
Maduro's appearance in a New York court is seen not merely as a legal process, but as a new chapter in the long-standing conflict between Venezuela and the United States. In the coming days, this case will remain a major topic of debate not only in US courts but also in global diplomacy.
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