Courtroom sketch captures defiant Maduro as he faces life-term charges in US

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, shackled at the ankles and dressed in prison attire, pleaded not guilty to sweeping US narcotics and weapons charges that could see him sentenced to life in prison. In his first appearance before a federal judge in New York on Monday, he insisted that he remained Venezuela’s legitimate leader. His wife, Cilia Flores, who faces the same charges as Maduro, except for narco-terrorism, also denied the allegations and declared her innocence.

A courtroom sketch from the hearing shows Maduro standing under heavy guard, wearing headphones to follow the proceedings, flanked by US marshals and lawyers. He appeared tense and defiant, clutching a legal pad as arguments unfolded in a packed New York courtroom. “I am innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man. I am still president of my country,” Maduro said in Spanish through an interpreter.

Maduro was brought into a Manhattan courtroom shortly after noon on Monday from a Brooklyn detention centre, amid heavy security. He briefly shook hands with his lawyer before taking his seat, while Flores was escorted in moments later.

US District Judge Alvin K Hellerstein presided over the hearing, telling the court it was his duty to ensure a fair trial. Television cameras were barred, with reporters and members of the public following the proceedings from overflow rooms.

CAPTURED IN US MILITARY OPERATION

Maduro was captured on Saturday in what US President Donald Trump described as a large-scale military operation in Venezuela, an unprecedented move that sparked explosions in Caracas and plunged the country into political turmoil. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were flown to the United States following the operation.

The 63-year-old faces four federal criminal counts, including narco-terrorism conspiracy, conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Flores also pleaded not guilty and faces similar charges, excluding narco-terrorism. The court set the next hearing for March 17.

LEGAL BATTLE OVER ‘MILITARY ABDUCTION’

Maduro’s lawyer, Barry J. Pollack, told the court that the defence would mount an extensive legal challenge to what he described as his client’s “military abduction,” arguing that Maduro, as the head of a sovereign state, is entitled to immunity under international law. Pollack said there would be “voluminous” pretrial filings addressing the legality of the operation that led to his arrest.

The United States has refused to recognise Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate leader since his 2018 re-election, which Washington says was marred by widespread irregularities. His capture marks the most controversial US intervention in Latin America since the 1989 invasion of Panama.

Outside the courthouse, tensions played out between rival groups of protesters, with Maduro supporters denouncing Washington’s actions and opponents celebrating what they see as the end of his rule.

Maduro remains in US custody as the case moves toward what is expected to be a prolonged and closely watched legal battle. The court has set the next hearing for March 17.

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