Maduro makes first court appearance in New York, pleads not guilty in court: media
By Global Times Published: Jan 06, 2026 01:51 AM
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro made his first court appearance Monday morning in New York after he was forcefully seized by US forces in his country, according to the Xinhua News Agency.
Maduro has pleaded not guilty to all the charges he is faced with, US media reported. Four counts were listed on the indictment, including narco-terrorism conspiracy and possession of machine guns and destructive devices, BBC reported.
Cameras are not allowed inside the court room. Maduro has just walked into New York Southern District court wearing a prison uniform with his feet shackled, CBS News reports. His wife, Cilia Flores, is also wearing a prison outfit.
"I am not guilty," Maduro said in the court, "I am a decent man, I am president of my country," Maduro added, per NBC.