Maduro Calls Himself A "Prisoner of War" As He Pleads Not Guilty in First US Court Appearance
Nicolás Maduro made his first appearance in a US courtroom on Monday after being captured in Venezuela and flown to New York, calling himself a “kidnapped” president as he denied a long list of drug and weapons charges.
The 63-year-old former Venezuelan leader appeared in a Manhattan federal court alongside his wife, Cilia Flores. Both pleaded not guilty during a short but dramatic hearing, with Maduro repeatedly insisting he remains Venezuela’s rightful president.
“I am, sir, Nicolás Maduro. I am president of the Republic of Venezuela and I am here kidnapped since January 3rd,” he told the judge through an interpreter, adding that he had been seized from his home in Caracas. Later, when asked for his plea, he said: “I am not guilty. I am a decent man. I am still the president of my country.”
Flores also denied the charges, telling the court she was innocent and previously declaring: “I am the first lady of Venezuela.” Her lawyers said she suffered injuries during the US raid that led to their arrest, with bandages visible on her face during the hearing.
Maduro is accused by US prosecutors of narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices. He and his wife were transferred back to federal custody after the hearing and did not apply for bail.
As the session ended, a man in the public gallery shouted accusations at Maduro. The former leader responded in Spanish: “I am a kidnapped president. I am a prisoner of war.”
US President Donald Trump described the court appearance as an “extraordinary moment in history.” Asked whether the US was now at war with Venezuela, he rejected the idea, saying: “No. We're not. We're at war with people that sell drugs.”
At the United Nations, US officials defended the operation that led to Maduro’s arrest, calling it a targeted law enforcement action rather than an act of war. Other countries, including China and Russia, raised concerns, while Britain said Maduro’s claim to power was illegitimate but stressed the importance of international law.
Back in Caracas, political power has shifted quickly. Maduro’s former deputy, Delcy Rodríguez, was sworn in as interim president, while Maduro’s son warned that the arrest of a head of state set a dangerous global precedent.
Maduro’s lawyers told the court they plan to challenge the legality of his capture, arguing that he should be treated as the head of a sovereign state. The judge acknowledged the defence but said those arguments would be addressed later. A consular visit was also approved.
The case has been adjourned until 17th March, when Maduro and Flores are due back in court.
