“I’m Not Guilty, I’m Still President”: Maduro Rejects All Charges in US Court Hearing
Maduro Pleads Not Guilty in First US Court Appearance, Rejects Drug and Terror Charges: Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has pleaded not guilty during his first appearance in a United States federal court, forcefully rejecting a series of serious criminal charges and declaring that he remains the legitimate, elected leader of Venezuela.
Speaking before the court, Maduro told the judge that he is “not a criminal” and described himself as a “respected person and the president of my country.” He claimed that he was arrested at his home in Caracas and argued that his detention and treatment violated international law. Maduro denied all allegations, insisting that the case against him is politically motivated and unjust.
The case is being heard by 92-year-old senior federal judge Alvin K. Hellerstein of the Southern District of New York. Judge Hellerstein, who was appointed by former US President Bill Clinton in 1998, has served as a senior judge since 2011 and is known for presiding over high-profile cases related to the September 11 attacks and national security issues.
US investigative agencies have filed four major charges against Maduro, including conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States, possession of machine guns and explosives, and conspiracy to possess such weapons. According to US prosecutors, Maduro and his associates allegedly protected and facilitated large-scale drug trafficking through an international network. Maduro has strongly denied all accusations.
Maduro’s appearance in a US courtroom marks a significant moment in already tense relations between Venezuela and the United States. The Venezuelan government has condemned the proceedings as an attack on national sovereignty, while US officials maintain that the case is a matter of enforcing the law.
The case has drawn global attention, particularly from countries involved in political or military disputes with major powers. As further hearings are scheduled, observers say the proceedings could either remain a legal battle or escalate into a broader diplomatic confrontation with far-reaching international consequences.
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