Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro appeared before a federal court in New York on Monday, where he formally denied all charges filed against him in a high-profile US case related to terrorism and drug trafficking.
During the court session, Maduro rejected the accusations and asserted his political legitimacy, telling the judge: “I am not guilty. I am a respectable man, and I remain the president of my country,” dismissing the charges and reaffirming his claim to Venezuela’s presidency despite his detention.
As he was leaving the courthouse, Maduro described himself as a “prisoner of war,” according to remarks made outside the courtroom. US authorities escorted Maduro and his wife following the hearing, during which the court scheduled the next session for March 17.
A US federal judge ordered that Maduro remain under judicial custody pending the next hearing. During the proceedings, the court read a summary of the indictment, after which Maduro reiterated that he continues to hold the office of president of Venezuela.
Defense Requests Presented to the Court
Maduro’s legal counsel informed the court that the judge formally advised Maduro and his wife of their right to contact their country’s consulate, a right they expressed their intention to exercise.
The defense also requested Maduro’s release without prejudice to his right to seek bail at a later stage. In response, the judge stated that a bail application could be submitted when deemed appropriate under the legal process.
Charges Against the Venezuelan President
US prosecutors accuse Maduro of overseeing an international cocaine trafficking network allegedly linked to armed groups. The 63-year-old Venezuelan leader denied four criminal charges, including narco-terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States, and possession of machine guns and explosive devices.
The case marks one of the most significant legal confrontations involving a sitting head of state before a US federal court, with wide political and diplomatic implications.
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