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Deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro declared himself “innocent” and a “decent man” as he pleaded not guilty to federal drug trafficking charges in a U.S. courtroom on Monday.
“I’m innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man, the president of my country,” Maduro told a judge.
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Maduro made his first appearance in an American courtroom Monday on the narco-terrorism charges the Trump administration used to justify capturing him and bringing him to New York.
Maduro, wearing a blue jail uniform, and his wife were led into court around noon for a brief, but required, legal proceeding that will likely kick off a prolonged legal fight over whether he can be put on trial in the U.S.
His next court date is set for March 17.
The hearing has ended
Court proceedings ended at 12:31 p.m. after attorney Mark Donnelly, on behalf of Cilia Flores, said that his client sustained “health and medical issues that will require attention.”
Donnelly said that Flores, 69, may have a fracture or severe bruising on her ribs and may need a full X-ray.
Both Maduro and Flores agreed to remain detained for now. Their attorneys could revisit a bail application at a later date.
Prosecutor lays out the custody timeline
In court, a government attorney said Maduro and Flores were officially taken into law enforcement custody at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday and that their plane landed in New York at 4:31 p.m. that day.
Flores also asserts her role as Venezuela’s first lady
Following Maduro’s plea, Hellerstein turned to Maduro’s wife and asked her to confirm her identity.
After confirming her name, Cilia Flores said in Spanish, through an interpreter: “I am first lady of the Republic of Venezuela.”
Asked to enter a plea, she responded: “Not guilty. Completely innocent.”
Maduro repeatedly asserts he is still the leader of Venezuela
At one point, Maduro said he had not yet read the indictment against him and had not been informed of his rights.
“I did not know of these rights,” he said through the interpreter. “Your honor is informing me of them now.”
Lawyer says Maduro’s not guilty plea applies to all charges
The judge responded to Maduro: “A plea of not guilty will be entered on behalf of Mr. Maduro.”
A second time, Maduro was asked for his plea and he said: “I am innocent. I am not guilty of anything that is mentioned here.”
Hellerstein reads the summary of charges against Maduro
The allegations Hellerstein listed included a “narco-terrorism conspiracy.”
The judge referred to Maduro’s wife, Cilia Adela Flores de Maduro, as “Mrs. Flores.”
