New York, January 6: Venezuela’s deposed leader Nicolás Maduro pleaded not guilty on Monday to multiple federal charges during his first appearance before a US federal court in New York, according to CNN.
Speaking directly to the judge shortly after the hearing began, Maduro questioned the legality of his arrest, saying he was detained at his residence in Caracas. His remark signaled the core of his legal defence, that US authorities unlawfully seized him on foreign soil.
Maduro’s lawyers have described the operation as a “military abduction,” arguing it violated international law and due process. The defence is expected to challenge the jurisdiction of US courts by focusing on how Maduro was taken into custody.
Legal experts note that similar arguments have failed in the past. Panama’s former leader Manuel Noriega made comparable claims more than three decades ago after being arrested following a US invasion. US courts at the time declined to examine the legality of the operation and focused only on the charges. It remains unclear whether judges will revisit that precedent in Maduro’s case.
It is unusual for defendants to speak during an initial court appearance, as lawyers typically advise against it. Judge Alvin Hellerstein cautioned Maduro during the hearing, saying there would be “a time and a place” to address such issues.
Maduro’s appearance comes days after he was captured during a US military operation inside Venezuela. Following the operation, President Donald Trump declared that the United States was “in charge,” while acting Venezuelan president Delcy Rodríguez called for cooperation with Washington.
US officials have indicated efforts are underway to shape an interim government in Venezuela. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington’s focus remains on policy and maintaining leverage.
Authorities say Maduro faces charges including narco-terrorism, drug trafficking and weapons-related offences. A superseding indictment unsealed over the weekend added new allegations of conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said Maduro would face justice in US courts, while Trump framed the operation in broader political terms, stating the US would oversee Venezuela until a transition is achieved and referring to American oil interests in the country.
The operation follows months of intensified US military activity in the region, including strikes on vessels Washington claims were linked to Venezuelan drug trafficking networks. Some legal experts have raised concerns over the international law implications of those actions.
