NEW YORK: The deposed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro pleaded not guilty on Monday to US federal charges related to narco-terrorism during his first court appearance in New York.
The hearing came two days after he and his wife, Cilia Flores, were taken into US custody during a surprise military operation in Caracas. In this regard, Maduro, 63, appeared before a federal judge in Manhattan, where he rejected the charges and claimed he had been forcibly removed from Venezuela.
“I’m innocent. I’m not guilty,” he was quoted as saying in court, adding that he still considered himself the country’s legitimate president. Flores also entered a not guilty plea to related charges.
Furthermore, the US authorities allege that Maduro and Flores were involved in international narcotrafficking activities.
The couple was transported to the United States following a large-scale operation on Saturday that reportedly involved helicopters, fighter aircraft, and naval support. Maduro was escorted to court under heavy security after being transferred by helicopter and armoured vehicle.
The court ordered Maduro to remain in custody in New York, with his next hearing scheduled for March 17.
In such a scenario, the developments in Washington and Caracas have drawn international attention. On Sunday, Venezuela’s interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, signaled a shift in tone by expressing willingness to engage with the United States.
“We extend an invitation to the US government to work together on an agenda for cooperation,” she said.
Meanwhile, supporters of Maduro gathered in Caracas, where several thousand people took part in demonstrations, waving national flags and chanting slogans in his support.
The Venezuela’s military leadership announced it recognized Rodríguez as interim leader and urged the population to remain calm. Venezuela’s Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino López said members of Maduro’s security team, as well as military personnel and civilians, were killed during the operation.
The US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the United States was now “in charge” of Venezuela. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said discussions about holding elections in the country were premature.
Trump also focused on the importance of access to Venezuela’s oil resources, which are the largest proven reserves in the world.
