Arrested Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro Pleads Not Guilty In US Court

Arrested Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro pleaded not guilty to charges of narco-terrorism when he was arraigned in a New York court on Monday.

His court appearance came two days after U.S. forces carried out a dramatic operation at his home in Caracas and brought him to the United States.

Nicolas Maduro, who is 63, told the federal judge that he had been kidnapped from Venezuela against his will and insisted that he is innocent.

He also said he still considers himself the president of Venezuela, according to U.S. news reports.

His wife, Cilia Flores, also entered a not-guilty plea.

Both were arrested early Saturday during a raid said to involve U.S. special forces, aircraft, and naval support.

Over the weekend, President Donald Trump announced that the U.S is now directing affairs in Venezuela, saying the goal is to rebuild and take control of the country’s struggling oil sector.

The statements triggered reactions around the world.

At an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, UN Secretary-General António Guterres there should be “respect for the principles of sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity.”

Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, criticized the situation, saying the American continent “does not belong” to anyone.

Colombia’s president, Gustavo Petro, released a strongly worded response, saying as a former guerrilla fighter, he was ready to “take up arms” against Trump.

Nicolas Maduro has led Venezuela since 2013, after the death of Hugo Chávez.

The United States and the European Union accused him of clinging to power by manipulating elections, jailing critics, and allowing widespread corruption.

His removal marks the end of roughly 25 years of left-leaning government in Venezuela and leaves about 30 million citizens facing an uncertain future.

On Sunday, around 2,000 Maduro supporters gathered in Caracas, some on motorcycles and carrying rifles, waving national flags.

In parliament on Monday, lawmakers chanted encouragement for Maduro.

The Trump administration has suggested it plans to work with the remaining members of Maduro’s inner circle, as long as they comply with U.S. terms.

Delcy Rodríguez, who had been serving as interim president and was formerly Maduro’s vice president, shifted from an initial confrontational stance and said she was open to cooperation.

Trump has also signaled that Washington does not plan to support opposition figures who previously claimed victory in disputed elections.

KanyiDaily recalls that Trump announced on Saturday that Nicolas Maduro and his wife will be prosecuted in the United States on drug and terrorism-related charges.