In New York on January 5, Nicolas Maduro appeared before Federal Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein, where he pleaded not guilty to the substance claims that the US has brought against him. He asserted that he had been captured in Caracas, called himself a "prisoner of warfare," and made up his own claim at the hearing to be the leader of Venezuela. A novel hearing was scheduled for March 17 by the judge.

He claimed he was kidnapped, and that he was leader.

Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein questioned Nicolas Maduro to reveal his identity to the judge days after the reading had begun in the Southern District Court of New York.

Maduro declared in Spanish," I am the president of the Republic of Venezuela, and I have been kidnapped since Saturday, January 3. " In his first public appearance before a US court, he continued," I was captured at my home in Caracas, Venezuela. "

He was given the opportunity to obtain his release before the trial, and the judge explained that he could obtain a free lawyer if he could never afford one. He responded," Your Honor has informed me of those right, but I wasn't conscious of them. " After being challenged by a member of the public present in court, Maduro, who during his time in power in Venezuela imprisoned thousands of people for social reasons and without visible legal procedures, made the claim that he was a "prisoner of war. " He continued," I abide by the Vienna Convention. " " I am no accountable. " The now-current Venezuelan leader entered a not-guilty plea after reading the indictment's conclusion. When the judge inquired about Maduro's legal arguments, he replied," I'm not guilty. " I'm a good person, I think. He continued," I am still the leader of my nation. " When Maduro attempted to explain how his account of his record and legal reputation came to pass, Hellerstein interrupted him and said that this was not the appropriate time to discuss those issues. restricting the reading to the prosecution's statement and the accused's identity? guilt or innocence

Maduro entered the Manhattan federal prosecutor while wearing an orange flannel shirt, a black clothing over it, grey pants, and matching shoes. According to Reuters information, he wore headphones to hear the Spanish language. His wife, Cilia Flores, was seated a dozen seats away while sporting a similar jail dress.

The judge gave them both a copy of their agreement to inform the Cuban embassy of their arrests. Both Torres and Maduro requested consular visits.

The reading lasted for about 30 days.

Defense refers to "military abduction. "

Barry Pollack, Maduro's attorney, predicted that the case may lead to "extensive and difficult" litigation and described his client's detention as a "military kidnapping. " He stated that Maduro does not want her to be released for the moment, but he reserves the right to do so in the future.

Mark Donnelly, Cilia Flores ' attorney, reported that his customer sustained significant injuries during her detention, including bruising to her ribs, and that the court should get X-rays and a thorough clinical examination.

Fool Fees

The United States Department of Justice accuses Maduro of four crimes, including possession of weapons, including machine guns and harmful products, as well as conspiracy to import and export narcotics, conspiracy to import cocaine, and possession of weapons.

Cilia Flores, Diosdado Cabello Rondon, and Ramon Rodriguez Chacin are also accused of being a part of a drug-trafficking and substance channel between 1999 and 2025 in the indictment.

The accused allegedly maintained partnerships with companies like the FARC, the ELN, the Sinaloa Cartel, Los Zetas, and the Tren de Aragua, which the US government views as a terrorist organization.

Final of the hearing and the following court time

Before being escorted out of the court with his wife, Nicolas Maduro collected his papers, briefly examined the gallery, and then took his time to leave. A man yelled to him," You may spend in the name of Venezuela," as he did at that time. Before being escorted in chains behind his partner through the back door of the court, Maduro turned to him and responded in Spanish that he was a "kidnapped leader" and a "prisoner of war. " He declared," In the name of God, I will be free. " The second reading in the case was scheduled for March 17 at 11:00 am in the same New York federal prosecutor.

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