In an unprecedented legal spectacle, the deposed Venezuelan president, Nicolas Maduro, has appeared in a Manhattan courtroom, pleading not guilty to serious drugs and weapons charges while declaring himself a "prisoner of war".
An 'Extraordinary Moment' in Court
The arraignment on Monday, 6 January 2026, marked the first court appearance for Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, since their capture by US forces. The couple were brought to New York to face charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices.
Speaking for the first time publicly since his arrival in the United States, Maduro told the judge, "I am not guilty, I am a decent man, I am still the president of my country." His wife, who also pleaded not guilty, stated, "I am the first lady of Venezuela." The hearing lasted approximately 30 minutes.
Trump's Reaction and Legal Challenges
Following the proceeding, US President Donald Trump described the event to NBC News as an "extraordinary moment in history". When questioned on whether the US is at war with Venezuela, Trump clarified, "No. We're not. We're at war with people that sell drugs."
Maduro's defence team immediately raised questions about the legality of his capture, highlighting "issues with the legality of the military abduction" from his home in Caracas. The former leader requested a consular visit, which the judge confirmed would be arranged. His lawyers are not currently seeking his release but may apply for bail at a later date.
A Confrontation and a Stark Declaration
The hearing concluded with a dramatic confrontation. As Maduro prepared to leave, 33-year-old Pedro Rojas, who claims to have been imprisoned by the Venezuelan regime, stood and addressed him forcefully in Spanish.
In response, as deputy US marshals led him away, Maduro looked directly at Rojas and made his stark declaration in Spanish: "I am a kidnapped president. I am a prisoner of war."
Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores are scheduled to appear in court again on 17 March.
