Maduro in Court : "I Am Still President of Venezuela"

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were presented in a New York federal court following an attack that led to their abduction. In court, both pleaded not guilty to charges. Maduro described himself as “a decent man” and affirmed, “I am still the President of my country.”

They face four charges related to drug trafficking and terrorism, which they claim are illegitimate, arguing they were forcibly brought from their home country.

The hearing took place around 12:00 pm Monday at the Manhattan Federal Court before District Judge Alvin Hellerstein. Maduro was represented by attorney Barry Joel Pollack.

During the proceedings, a spectator shouted at Maduro in Spanish, demanding accountability. In response, Maduro referred to himself as the “abducted president” and a “prisoner of war.” He and his wife were later escorted out of the court through a rear exit in handcuffs.

The judge scheduled the next hearing for March 17.

Meanwhile, in Caracas, the Vice President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, was sworn in as interim president during a session of the National Assembly. Rodríguez stated that while she was pained by the “illegal military aggression,” she would ensure the country’s peace and safeguard the socio-economic stability of its people. Thousands gathered outside the parliament building, expressing support for both the Maduro family and the interim president.