Venezuela’s deposed president, Nicolás Maduro, will remain in United States detention until his next court appearance scheduled for 17 March, after he and his wife, Cilia Flores, pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking and related charges in a federal court in New York.
Maduro, who described himself as a political prisoner, denied all four counts in the indictment during a brief court appearance following a dramatic 72-hour period that saw him captured during a U.S. military operation in Caracas. The operation has sparked widespread debate and condemnation over alleged violations of Venezuela’s sovereignty and international law.
At an emergency United Nations Security Council session, the United States defended the operation, stating it was a law enforcement action carried out in support of existing indictments. South Africa, however, used the forum to argue that Washington’s actions were inconsistent with established international legal norms.
Maduro and Flores were transported under heavy security from the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Centre by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) officials to a Manhattan courthouse, where they appeared for a 40-minute arraignment. Both confirmed not guilty pleas to drug and weapons-related charges.
Outside the courthouse, demonstrators were divided. Some called for the couple’s immediate release, accusing the U.S. of unlawful overreach.
“We’re here to say free Maduro. The United States has no right to detain the president of Venezuela and his wife. These charges are a cover for a political agenda of regime change,” said protester Sydney Loving.
Others welcomed the arrest, praising the U.S. action.
“There is no going back. Nicolás Maduro is finally being brought to justice after years of dictatorship. It is time for freedom and democracy,” said Venezuelan immigrant Rafael Escalante.
The case is expected to remain a major point of international contention as legal proceedings continue in the United States.
