Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro appeared in a U.S. federal court in Manhattan on Monday for the first time since being taken into U.S. custody, formally entering pleas of not guilty to a series of criminal charges related to drug trafficking and conspiracy offenses.

During the brief arraignment, Maduro addressed the court through an interpreter and stated that he continues to regard himself as the president of Venezuela, despite his detention and the legal proceedings now underway in the United States. The remark came as the judge confirmed his identity and outlined the charges filed against him.

Maduro appeared in court alongside his wife, Cilia Flores, who also pleaded not guilty to the charges against her. The case is being heard in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, where prosecutors outlined allegations that Maduro led or participated in long-running criminal conspiracies involving international narcotics trafficking.

The judge did not rule on bail during the hearing, and both defendants remain in federal custody. A follow-up court date was scheduled for March 17, 2026, when pretrial motions and procedural matters are expected to be addressed.

The courtroom appearance follows years of U.S. indictments against Maduro, first announced in 2020 and later expanded. The U.S. government does not recognize Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate president following disputed elections, a position that contrasts with Maduro’s assertion in court that he still holds the office.

International reaction to the case continues, with some governments raising concerns about jurisdiction and sovereignty, while U.S. officials maintain that the proceedings are part of broader efforts to combat transnational crime.

Sources: Reuters, CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera