Maduro Pleads Not Guilty in New York Amid Historic U.S. Narcotics Case
Former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro appeared in a Manhattan federal court on Monday, formally pleading not guilty to U.S. narcotics charges. The hearing marked a rare courtroom appearance for a foreign head of state. Maduro, 63, spoke through an interpreter in the Southern District of New York, asserting his innocence and insisting that he
remains the legitimate president of Venezuela. At one point, he stated: “I am innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man. I am still president of my country.” The arraignment follows his capture by U.S. forces earlier this week, an unprecedented move that has drawn global attention and raised questions about international law and diplomatic protocol. U.S. prosecutors allege that Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were involved in long-running narcotics trafficking and related criminal activity. The next hearing is scheduled for March 17, 2026, and legal experts say the proceedings could extend over several months. Supporters and opponents gathered outside the courthouse, reflecting the high political and geopolitical stakes of the case. International observers continue to monitor the situation closely, given its potential impact on U.S.-Venezuela relations. Source: Reuters
