Venezuela’s ousted President Nicolás Maduro made a bold statement in a New York courtroom, pleading not guilty to drug trafficking and other charges while insisting he remains the legitimate president of Venezuela. “I am innocent, I am not guilty. I am a decent man. I am still president of my country,” Maduro declared through an interpreter, his voice rising before Judge Alvin Hellerstein cut him off.
Maduro, 63, wore a prison jumpsuit and was shackled at the ankles during the 30-minute hearing. His wife, Cilia Flores, also pleaded not guilty to related charges. The US government has deemed Maduro an illegitimate dictator since his disputed 2018 reelection, and he’s now facing charges that could put him behind bars for life.
The US captured Maduro in a dramatic military raid in Caracas, sparking international debate over the legality of the operation. China and Russia have condemned the US action, while the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned it could set a “dangerous precedent”.
