In a landmark legal proceeding, the deposed Venezuelan leader, Nicolas Maduro, has made his first court appearance in the United States, pleading not guilty to a series of serious charges. The hearing in a Manhattan courthouse on Monday, 5 January 2026, was described by former US President Donald Trump as an "extraordinary moment in history".
The Charges and Courtroom Drama
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were brought before a judge to answer charges that include narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices. These were the very allegations the Trump administration cited to justify capturing the couple in Caracas and extraditing them to New York.
During the approximately 30-minute hearing, Maduro firmly declared his innocence and his status, stating, "I am not guilty, I am a decent man, I am still the president of my country." His wife, Flores, similarly pleaded not guilty, identifying herself as "the first lady of Venezuela".
Legal Challenges and a Confrontation
Maduro's defence team immediately raised questions about the legality of his capture, highlighting what they termed "issues with the legality of the military abduction". The deposed leader also requested a consular visit, which the judge confirmed would be arranged. His lawyers are not currently seeking his release but reserved the right to apply for bail at a later date.
The session concluded with a dramatic confrontation. As Maduro was being led out, a 33-year-old man, Pedro Rojas, who later claimed to have been imprisoned by the Venezuelan regime, stood and addressed him forcefully in Spanish. In response, Maduro looked directly at him and stated, "I am a kidnapped president. I am a prisoner of war."
Political Repercussions and Next Steps
Speaking to Sky News' US partner network NBC after the hearing, Donald Trump reflected on the significance of the event. When questioned on whether the US was at war with Venezuela, he clarified, "No. We're not. We're at war with people that sell drugs."
The court appearance marks the first major legal step in a case that has drawn intense international scrutiny. Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores are scheduled to return to court on 17 March for their next hearing, where the complex arguments over jurisdiction and the circumstances of their capture are expected to develop further.
