NEW YORK, Jan 5 — GeokHub Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro pleaded not guilty on Monday to sweeping U.S. narcotics and weapons charges, appearing in a Manhattan federal court days after a dramatic U.S. military operation removed him from power and transferred him to American custody.
Speaking through an interpreter, the 63-year-old denied all accusations, insisting he remained Venezuela’s legitimate president. He was interrupted by the presiding judge as the brief arraignment concluded. Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, also entered a not-guilty plea. Their next court appearance is scheduled for March 17.
The hearing unfolded amid heavy security and protests outside the courthouse, with demonstrators both supporting and opposing the former leader.
Political Fallout in Caracas
Hours after the court appearance, Venezuela’s vice president Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim leader, offering public loyalty to Maduro while stopping short of challenging the U.S. action. Senior figures from the long-ruling government remain in control of key state institutions, signaling a cautious effort to maintain stability.
Rodríguez’s brother, Jorge Rodríguez, was reappointed head of the pro-government National Assembly and vowed to pursue all legal and political avenues to secure Maduro’s return.
U.S. Position and Election Timeline
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington was not at war with Venezuela but was targeting international drug trafficking networks. He dismissed the idea of rapid elections, arguing the country must first be stabilized before a vote could be credible.
Trump has also reiterated U.S. interest in rebuilding Venezuela’s oil sector, suggesting American companies could play a central role in restoring infrastructure damaged by years of mismanagement and sanctions.
Charges and Legal Battle Ahead
U.S. prosecutors accuse Maduro of overseeing a long-running cocaine trafficking network linked to transnational criminal organizations across Latin America. The charges include narco-terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine, and possession of prohibited weapons.
Maduro has consistently rejected the allegations, describing them as politically motivated and tied to foreign interest in Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
His legal team has indicated it will challenge the circumstances of his capture, calling it an unlawful military abduction and signaling a prolonged legal fight.
Global Reaction and Legal Questions
The unprecedented detention of a head of state has sparked intense debate at the United Nations, where several countries raised concerns about sovereignty, regional stability, and international law. Legal scholars have questioned whether the operation sets a dangerous precedent for cross-border enforcement actions.
