Deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro on Monday, January 5, pleaded not guilty to federal drug trafficking charges during his arraignment in a United States courtroom, declaring himself “innocent” and a “decent man.”
Maduro, who was removed from Venezuela by U.S. military forces, entered the plea two days after arriving in New York. If convicted, he could face several decades in prison.
“I am innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man. I am still president of my country,” Maduro told the court before he was interrupted by U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein.
The court appearance marked Maduro’s formal arraignment, during which the charges against him were presented and he was given the opportunity to enter a plea. His wife, Cilia Flores, who was also in court, pleaded not guilty to similar charges.
When asked to identify himself, Maduro stated his name and added, “I am the president of the Republic of Venezuela.” He further claimed he was captured in his home in Venezuela before the judge cut him short.
Maduro told the court that he had seen the indictment but had not fully read it, saying he had only partially discussed it with his lawyer. He declined to have the charges read aloud in court, indicating he preferred to review them personally.
He is being represented by Barry Pollack, a prominent U.S. attorney who previously represented WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange in his Espionage Act case.
During the proceedings, Judge Hellerstein informed Maduro of his right to remain silent and his right to legal representation, to which the former leader responded, “I did not know of these rights. Your honor is informing me of them now.”
The case is expected to draw significant international attention as legal proceedings continue.