Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro appeared in a United States court for the first time on Monday, January 5, 2026, following his arrest by U.S. authorities. During the brief hearing, he pleaded not guilty to all charges, declared his innocence, and stated that he stills the President of Venezuela. The hearing was held at a Manhattan court in New York State. Maduro was transferred from a Brooklyn detention facility, where he has been held since his arrest on January 3, 2026. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are facing multiple charges, including narco-terrorism, conspiracy to impo

Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro appeared in a United States court for the first time on Monday, January 5, 2026, following his arrest by U.S. authorities. During the brief hearing, he pleaded not guilty to all charges, declared his innocence, and stated that he stills the President of Venezuela. The hearing was held at a Manhattan court in New York State. Maduro was transferred from a Brooklyn detention facility, where he has been held since his arrest on January 3, 2026. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are facing multiple charges, including narco-terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices. Both have denied all allegations and maintain their innocence. The court session lasted approximately 30 minutes. Maduro is being represented by attorney Barry Joel Pollack, who is known for previously defending WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. “I am innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man. I am still president of my country,” Maduro told the court. Outside the courthouse, large crowds gathered, including supporters of the prosecution and protesters who argued that the United States has no right to interfere in the internal affairs of other nations. Maduro is scheduled to return to court on March 17, 2026. Meanwhile, in Caracas, Delcy Rodríguez, who served as Vice President during Maduro’s administration, was sworn in as Interim President of Venezuela. In her inaugural address, Rodríguez pledged solidarity with Maduro, saying the government stands firmly with him during what she described as a difficult and unjust ordeal.

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