NEW YORK (MNN); Ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro pleaded not guilty to charges of narco-terrorism in a New York court on Monday, two days after being forcibly taken from his residence in Caracas during a US military raid.
Maduro, 63, and his wife Cilia Flores appeared before a federal court in Manhattan following their dramatic capture in Caracas, an operation widely described as a shock move by Washington that has reshaped US plans regarding the oil-rich South American nation.
The couple faces narcotrafficking-related charges in the United States. They were seized on Saturday in a US assault involving commandos deployed by helicopters, with fighter jets and naval forces providing support.
During the court proceedings, Maduro told the judge that he had been “kidnapped” from Venezuela and insisted on his innocence. According to US media reports, he declared, “I’m innocent, I’m not guilty,” adding that he still considered himself the president of Venezuela. Flores also entered a not guilty plea.
The former Venezuelan leader is expected to remain in custody at a New York jail, with his next court hearing scheduled for March 17.
Earlier in the day, Maduro was transported to the courthouse under heavy security, using a helicopter and an armoured vehicle.
Attention now remains focused on Venezuela’s reaction to the rapidly unfolding situation. Late Sunday, interim leader Delcy Rodriguez softened her earlier defiant stance and signalled readiness to cooperate with US President Donald Trump.
“We extend an invitation to the US government to work together on an agenda for cooperation,” Rodriguez said.
On Sunday, around 2,000 Maduro supporters staged demonstrations in Caracas, including armed motorcyclists, chanting slogans and waving Venezuelan flags. The Venezuelan military, which had remained loyal to Maduro, announced it recognised Rodriguez as interim leader and urged the public to remain calm.
No official death toll has been released, but Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said that a large portion of Maduro’s security team, along with military personnel and civilians, were killed during the operation.
President Trump said late Sunday that the United States was now “in charge” of Venezuela, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio said discussions about holding elections following Maduro’s removal were premature.
Need Access to Oil
Asked about US expectations from the interim leadership, Trump said Washington needed full access to Venezuela’s oil and other resources to help rebuild the country.
Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, and an increase in Venezuelan crude supplies could deepen global oversupply concerns and further pressure oil prices. Analysts, however, warned that significantly boosting production would be difficult, costly, and time-consuming. Oil prices edged lower as investors assessed the situation.
The Trump administration said it continues to exert economic pressure by blockading Venezuelan oil shipments and has warned of further military action if necessary. While no US forces are believed to be operating inside Venezuela, a major US naval presence, including an aircraft carrier, remains stationed offshore.
Opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia said that although US intervention was important, it was insufficient without the release of political prisoners and recognition of his claimed victory in the 2024 election.
Details of the US operation continued to surface on Monday, with Cuba reporting that 32 Cuban nationals were killed during the attack. Trump added that Cuba itself appeared vulnerable following Maduro’s capture.
The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting at Venezuela’s request.
Maduro’s Inner Circle Still Intact
The White House indicated that it is not pursuing a full regime change but seeks Maduro’s removal and the establishment of a cooperative government, even if it includes figures from his former inner circle.
Maduro, who was appointed as successor by Hugo Chavez before his death in 2013, governed alongside a small group of powerful allies, including Cilia Flores, Delcy Rodriguez, her brother Jorge Rodriguez, and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello.
Despite US claims that Venezuela’s opposition was denied electoral victory under Maduro, Washington’s stance has effectively sidelined opposition groups.
China, Russia, and Iran, all long-standing allies of Maduro’s government, swiftly condemned the US operation. Several US allies, including the European Union, also expressed concern.
China called for Maduro’s immediate release, describing the operation as a clear violation of international law. Iran said its relations with Venezuela remained unchanged and also demanded Maduro’s release.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned the US action as an attack on Latin American sovereignty, warning that it could trigger a humanitarian crisis. He also rejected Trump’s accusations and threats of military action against Colombia.
