Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro has pleaded not guilty to charges of narco-terrorism during a court appearance in New York, US, on Monday, two days after being seized by American forces during an illegal Saturday raid on his residence in Caracas.
Maduro, 63, appeared alongside his wife, Cilia Flores, after the couple were captured in what US officials described as a surprise military operation carried out in the Venezuelan capital. The controversial operation, which involved helicopters, fighter jets and naval support, marked a sharp escalation in Washington’s interference in the oil-rich South American nation.
Both Maduro and Flores face narcotrafficking charges in the United States. According to reports, US commandos stormed their home on Saturday and kidnapped them from the country.
Speaking before a federal judge in Manhattan, Maduro emphasised that he had been abducted, telling the court: “I’m innocent, I’m not guilty.” He also said, “I’m still the president of my country,” according to US media reports.
Flores also entered a plea of not guilty. The Venezuelan President is expected to remain in custody in New York, with his next court hearing scheduled for March 17.
Maduro was transported by helicopter and armored vehicle earlier on Monday, and he was taken to the courthouse under strict security, accompanied by armed law enforcement officers.
Thousands of Maduro supporters assembled in Caracas on Sunday, in favour of the overthrown leader, yelling slogans and waved Venezuelan flags.
No official death toll has been released in Venezuela following the operation. However, Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said that a “large part” of Maduro’s security team had been killed “in cold blood,” along with members of the military and civilians.
In Washington DC, President Donald Trump said late Sunday that the United States was now “in charge” of Venezuela. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said discussions about holding elections following Maduro’s removal were “premature.”
Asked what the United States required from interim leader Rodriguez, Trump said: “We need total access. We need access to the oil and other things in their country that allow us to rebuild their country.”
Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, and an increase in Venezuelan crude entering global markets could deepen oversupply concerns and add further pressure on prices.
Analysts, however, say that significantly ramping up oil production would be neither quick nor easy, given the country’s deteriorated infrastructure. Oil prices dipped as investors assessed the potential impact of the situation.
The Trump administration has said it continues to wield economic leverage by blockading Venezuelan oil tankers and has warned of further military action if necessary.
Prominent opposition figure Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia said the US intervention was “important” but added that without the release of political prisoners and recognition that he won the 2024 election, it was “not enough.”
Details of the US operation continued to emerge on Monday. Cuba said 32 of its nationals were killed during the assault, while Trump claimed that Cuba itself was on the brink of collapse following Maduro’s capture. “I don’t think we need any action. It looks like it’s going down,” Trump said.
International reaction was swift. China, Russia and Iran, long-time allies of Maduro, condemned the US operation. Some US allies, including the European Union (EU), also voiced concern.
China called for Maduro to be “immediately released,” with its foreign ministry describing the operation as a “clear violation of international law.” Iran said on Monday that its relationship with Venezuela remained unchanged and also called for Maduro’s release.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro criticised the US action as an “assault on the sovereignty” of Latin America, warning it could trigger a humanitarian crisis. Petro also rejected Trump’s threats of military action against Colombia, after the US president accused the Colombian leader of drug trafficking.