• Source:JND

Venezuela's leader Nicolas Maduro pleaded not guilty on Monday in a US federal court to charges including narco-terrorism and cocaine trafficking. Speaking before the judge, he said, “I am a decent man, the president of my country,” rejecting allegations of leading a vast international drug-smuggling network. 

The appearance came after Maduro’s stunning capture by US forces in Caracas, an operation that has sent shockwaves through Latin America and drawn strong reactions from global powers. Prosecutors allege Maduro oversaw a cocaine-trafficking network collaborating with Mexican cartels, Colombian armed groups, and Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang. 

Judge Alvin Hellerstein formally read the charges, including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices. Maduro responded: “I am innocent. I am not guilty of anything that is mentioned here.” The next hearing is scheduled for March 17. His legal team said he is not currently seeking bail.

Cilia Flores Also Pleads Not Guilty

Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, facing a related cocaine trafficking case, also pleaded not guilty. “Not guilty. Completely innocent,” she told the court. Both appeared in court wearing handcuffs, with Maduro using headphones to follow proceedings in Spanish.

ALSO READ: Maduro's Capture Puts Venezuela Oil In Focus: Can Trump Revive The Industry, Will India Benefit?

Venezuela Reacts To Seizure

Venezuela’s new National Assembly opened its session with lawmakers chanting “Let’s go Nico!” condemning the US operation as an “abduction.” Senior lawmaker Fernando Soto Rojas accused US President Donald Trump of acting as “the prosecutor, the judge, and the policeman of the world” and pledged solidarity for Maduro’s return to power. 

The newly elected parliament, dominated by Maduro’s United Socialist Party, was chosen in May 2025 in polls widely denounced by the opposition and international observers. The US court proceedings are expected to further escalate tensions between Washington and Caracas.

ALSO READ: ‘Lead Or Get Out Of Way': US Tells Venezuelan Acting President As Tense Calm Hangs Over Nation | Latest Updates


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