In a dramatic courtroom appearance, the deposed Venezuelan leader, Nicolas Maduro, has entered a plea of not guilty to serious federal drug trafficking charges brought against him by the United States government. The proceeding took place on Monday, January 5, 2026, in a U.S. courtroom.
Courtroom Declarations and Interruptions
Standing before U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein, Maduro firmly declared his innocence. "I am innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man. I am still president of my country," Maduro stated during his arraignment. This formal court proceeding is where defendants are informed of the charges against them and can enter a plea.
The judge, however, cut him off as he attempted to elaborate. Maduro revealed that he was taken from his home in Venezuela by U.S. military forces, stating, "I was captured in my home in Venezuela." His plea came just two days after arriving in New York under U.S. custody.
Legal Representation and Co-Defendant
Maduro is being represented by a lawyer familiar with high-profile international cases, Barry Pollack. Pollack previously defended Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks publisher charged under the Espionage Act. In court, Maduro indicated he had seen the indictment but had not fully read it, having only partially discussed it with his attorney.
His wife, Cilia Flores, was also present in the courtroom. She faces several similar charges and likewise entered a plea of not guilty.
Rights and Potential Consequences
A notable moment occurred when Judge Hellerstein informed Maduro of his legal rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Maduro responded, "I did not know of these rights. Your honor is informing me of them now." He also waived the formal reading of the indictment in court, preferring to read it personally.
The stakes for the deposed leader are exceptionally high. If convicted on the federal drug trafficking charges, Nicolas Maduro could potentially face decades in prison. The case marks a significant escalation in the long-standing political and legal tensions between the United States and Venezuela.
