Deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro appeared in court in the US saying he was innocent and “the president of my country”.
Maduro appeared in the Manhattan courthouse on Monday alongside his wife, Cilia Flores, who also pleaded not guilty to the charges, and said: “I am the first lady of Venezuela.”
Maduro faces the following charges: narco-terrorism conspiracy; cocaine importation conspiracy; possession of machine guns and destructive devices; conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices.
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The appearance by the couple was the first on the drugs charges the Trump administration used to justify capturing Maduro and bringing him to New York.
In his first public words since being brought to the US, Maduro told the court he was the president of Venezuela and that he was captured from his home in Caracas.
“I am not guilty, I am a decent man, I am still the president of my country,” he said.
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During Monday’s hearing, which lasted about 30 minutes, Maduro’s defence attorney highlighted “issues with the legality of the military abduction”.
Maduro also requested the right to a consular visit – something the judge confirmed would be arranged.
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His defence team is not seeking his release at this time, with the judge telling them they can make their bail application “when appropriate”.
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At the very end of Maduro’s arraignment, he turned to wave at the crowd, prompting a man to stand up and share a message to the ousted Venezuelan leader, Sky News’ US partner network NBC News reported.
“You will pay on behalf of Venezuela,” the person said.
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In response, Maduro said: “In the name of god, I will be free.”
Maduro and his wife are due to appear in court again on 17 March.
