Maduro and Wife Plead Not Guilty in U.S. Court
Written by Skyz Metro FM on January 7, 2026
6 January 2026
By Emelda Jinya
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have appeared in a U.S. federal court in New York, where both pleaded not guilty to a string of serious charges.
The pair were brought under heavy security from a detention centre in Brooklyn to a Manhattan courthouse on Monday, following their capture by U.S. forces earlier this week. They face allegations including narco-terrorism conspiracy, drug trafficking, and weapons offences.
In court, Maduro told the judge he is innocent and described himself as a decent man who remains Venezuela’s president. Flores also denied all charges. Their next court appearance has been set for March the 17th.
The U.S. says the operation was part of efforts to curb drug trafficking, while Venezuelan officials have condemned it as a violation of the country’s sovereignty. Meanwhile, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has been named interim president as the situation continues to unfold.
Ends//////
Skyz Metro FM