Maduro, Wife Plead Not Guilty as U.S. Court Arraignment Sparks Global Outcry
Deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on Monday pleaded not guilty to sweeping drug trafficking charges during a historic appearance before a federal court in Manhattan.
The arraignment came just two days after a dramatic U.S. military operation in Caracas that resulted in the couple’s arrest and transfer to the United States, an action that has since triggered sharp diplomatic reactions worldwide.
Maduro, 63, and Flores, 69, appeared before U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein wearing prison uniforms and using Spanish translation headsets. Federal prosecutors accuse the couple of participating in a 25-year conspiracy to traffic cocaine into the United States.
The four-count indictment includes charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy and cocaine importation, offences that could carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment if convicted.
Maduro has retained prominent defence lawyer Barry Pollack, known for representing WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. Pollack told the court he would challenge both the legality of what he described as a “military abduction” and the court’s jurisdiction, arguing that Maduro is entitled to sovereign immunity.
In Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump described the case as “infallible,” asserting that the United States would now “run” Venezuela in the aftermath of the operation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington would leverage the arrests to ensure Caracas aligns with U.S. strategic interests.
Venezuela’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Samuel Moncada, condemned the action as an “illegal armed attack” and a “kidnapping,” warning that the detention of a head of state violated the UN Charter and posed a dangerous international precedent.
Back in Caracas, the National Assembly opened its session with chants of “Let’s go Nico!” Senior lawmaker Fernando Soto Rojas accused President Trump of acting as the “policeman of the world” and pledged full solidarity with the detained former leader.
Maduro’s son, Nicolás Maduro Guerra, also addressed lawmakers, urging what he called a “balanced and respectful” international engagement. He said Venezuela would maintain its dignity and refuse to bow to foreign pressure.
The ruling Socialist Party, which holds an overwhelming majority in the Assembly following the disputed 2024 elections, continues to control the capital. Across the region, the U.S. operation has ignited both celebratory demonstrations and angry protests.
Judge Hellerstein adjourned proceedings until March 17, ordering that Maduro and Flores remain in federal custody in Brooklyn as their legal team prepares to contest the case.
