New York, Jan 06 (V7N) - Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro appeared in a New York court on Monday to face charges of drug trafficking and terrorism, pleading not guilty. He told the judge, “I am still the President of my country. I have been brought here against my will,” and denied all allegations made against him.

Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, also appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to the drug-related charges.

Judge Alvin Hellerstein read the charges against Maduro and requested his response. Maduro maintained that he had committed none of the offenses outlined in the indictment. The court has scheduled his next appearance for March 17.

The arrest followed a US-led operation last Saturday in Venezuela, where both Maduro and his wife were taken into custody and transported to New York.

The US government has charged Maduro with conspiracy to traffic cocaine, involvement in terrorism, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices. Authorities also allege that Maduro coordinated with criminal organizations such as Mexico’s Sinaloa and Jetas cartels, Colombia’s FARC rebels, and Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang to facilitate cocaine trafficking.

Since arriving in New York, the couple has been held at a Brooklyn detention center. On Monday morning, they were escorted under tight security to the Manhattan court for the hearing.

The case marks a significant escalation in US efforts to hold foreign leaders accountable for international drug trafficking and organized crime.

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