NEW YORK: Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Tuesday rejected all charges against him during his appearance before a US federal court, insisting that he remains the lawful president of Venezuela and that his detention amounts to kidnapping.
Maduro told the court that he was “a good human being” and denied the allegations levelled against him, saying he had been forcibly taken into custody.
According to reports, Maduro and his wife were transported by helicopter from Brooklyn to Manhattan before being taken to the courthouse in an armoured vehicle under heavy security.
US media reported that Maduro was presented before the court wearing a prisoner’s uniform and handcuffs. He also wore headphones to follow the proceedings, which were translated into Spanish.
When the federal judge asked him to identify himself, Maduro responded that he was the president of Venezuela.
The judge then read out the charges against him, which include allegations related to drug trafficking and terrorism. Maduro rejected all accusations and refused to enter a guilty plea, stating that he was innocent and had no involvement in any of the activities mentioned in the indictment.
“I am still the president of my country and a civilised person,” Maduro told the court, adding that he bore no responsibility for the charges presented against him.
Maduro’s wife also asserted her innocence, telling the court that she was not guilty of any wrongdoing.
The judge adjourned the hearing and ordered that Maduro and his wife be produced again before the court on March 17.
It may be recalled that Maduro was transferred to a New York jail after being brought to the United States on Sunday. According to reports, Maduro and his wife were taken into custody during a US military operation in Venezuela on Saturday.
