Ousted Maduro remains defiant in New York court, claims presidency
Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro appeared in a U.S. federal court for the first time today following his capture, pleading not guilty to charges of narcoterrorism conspiracy and cocaine trafficking.
Judge Alvin Hellerstein ruled on January 5 that Maduro will remain in custody at a New York detention center until his next scheduled appearance on March 17.
A high-stakes legal battle
The former dictator entered a "not guilty" plea to four counts, including conspiracy to import cocaine and possession of machine guns and destructive devices. Prosecutors allege Maduro oversaw a vast drug-trafficking network involving Mexican cartels and FARC rebels to flood the United States with cocaine.
Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, who appeared visibly injured during the proceedings, also pleaded not guilty. The couple was apprehended during a massive U.S. military operation on Saturday, January 3, and neither has requested bail at this time.
Defiance in the courtroom
Despite his confinement, Maduro remained defiant, telling the judge that he remains the legitimate president of Venezuela. He has long dismissed the U.S. charges as a "smokescreen" designed to justify the seizure of Venezuela’s significant oil reserves.
From Caracas, his son, Nicolás Maduro Guerra, claimed his father was "kidnapped" by the United States. He called for international solidarity, expressing hope for his father’s eventual release and return home.
Historic security measures
The defendants were transported from the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn to the Manhattan federal court via helicopter, escorted by heavily armed military personnel. The 25-page indictment, unsealed on January 3, accuses Venezuelan leadership of abusing public trust for over 25 years to corrupt state institutions for criminal gain.
Legal experts note that the operation and subsequent trial mirror the historic case of General Manuel Noriega. The Panamanian leader was arrested following a U.S. invasion in 1989 and spent the remainder of his life in prison. Maduro and Flores face life imprisonment if convicted.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
