Ousted Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro appeared in a New York court for the first time and pleaded not guilty to all charges against him, after being captured by US forces in a military operation.
Maduro, who still calls himself the president of Venezuela, maintained his innocence. His wife, Cilia Flores, also pleaded not guilty.
Maduro has long denied the allegations, claiming they are a cover for imperialist designs on Venezuela’s rich oil reserves.
His lawyer, Barry Pollack, described the case as “voluminous and complex litigation” arising from what he called his client’s “military abduction.” He added that Maduro was not requesting release at this time, though he may do so later.
Maduro faces charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine-importation conspiracy, and weapons offenses.
The judge ordered both Maduro and Flores to remain in custody and set the next hearing for March 17.
(File Photo: Nicolas Maduro, President of Venezuela)
