Nigeria TV Info — Foreign Affairs

Toppled Venezuelan President Maduro Pleads Not Guilty to Narcotics Charges in U.S. Court

Toppled Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro appeared in a Manhattan federal court on Monday, pleading not guilty to narcotics charges following his dramatic capture by U.S. forces under President Donald Trump, a move that has sent shockwaves across the globe and left Venezuelan officials scrambling.

“I am innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man. I am still president of my country,” Maduro, 63, declared through an interpreter before being interrupted by U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein.

Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, also entered a not guilty plea. The court scheduled the next hearing for March 17.

Outside the courthouse, dozens of protesters, both supporting and opposing Maduro, gathered to voice their opinions during the brief half-hour hearing, according to Reuters.

The case marks a significant escalation in U.S.-Venezuela tensions and raises questions about the future leadership and stability of the South American nation.