Washington, Jan 6: Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro appeared in a federal court in Manhattan on Monday and pleaded not guilty to multiple narco-terrorism, drug trafficking and related criminal charges brought by the United States government.Maduro, dressed in prison attire and handcuffed, stood before U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein and denied the charges, declaring he is “innocent” and still the legitimate president of Venezuela. His wife, Cilia Flores, who was captured alongside him, also pleaded not guilty to similar charges.
The indictment alleges Maduro and others were involved in an international narco-terrorism conspiracy, including large-scale cocaine trafficking into the United States and possession of weapons in furtherance of drug crimes.