Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, pleaded not guilty Monday in a Manhattan federal courtroom to U.S. drug trafficking and related charges. The arraignment came days after the couple was seized from their Caracas residence in a U.S. military operation, setting off a global political firestorm.
Maduro, wearing a blue detention uniform, stood in front of U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein and spoke through an interpreter. “I am innocent. I am not guilty,” he said. “I am a decent man. I am still president of my country.”
Flores, also appearing before the court, echoed her husband. When asked to confirm her identity and plea, she responded in Spanish, “Not guilty. Completely innocent.”
Charges and Courtroom Moments
Both defendants are accused in a U.S. indictment that includes narco-terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine, and unlawful possession of weapons and destructive devices. Prosecutors allege Maduro and Flores worked with international drug cartels to smuggle large quantities of cocaine into the United States.
During the brief hearing, Maduro protested the circumstances of his custody. “I was captured,” he said, as translated by a courtroom reporter, before the judge continued with formal procedures.
Judge Hellerstein informed the couple of their rights and entered not guilty pleas on their behalf after they confirmed their identities. He set the next
Defense lawyers have indicated they plan to contest the legality of Maduro’s detention, asserting that his status as a head of state should afford him immunity from prosecution. They also raised concerns about Flores’ health. Her attorney noted she suffered injuries during the capture, including possible rib fractures, and requested comprehensive medical care while she remains in custody.
Political and International Fallout
The U.S. government, under President Donald Trump, has framed the action as part of a broader effort to dismantle an alleged transnational drug trafficking organization. Trump officials argue they are targeting criminal activity and corruption rather than Venezuela’s sovereignty.
The capture and charges have deeply divided world opinion. Several nations condemned the U.S. operation as unlawful interference, while others offered cautious support for efforts to hold leaders accountable. International legal experts are questioning the precedents involved in prosecuting a sitting head of state on foreign soil.
Back in Venezuela, Maduro’s political allies quickly moved to swear in Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim president, escalating the dispute over legitimate leadership. Maduro’s supporters outside the courthouse carried signs reading, “Hands Off Venezuela,” while critics demanded justice and transparency.