Maduro pleads not guilty in US court
On Monday, Maduro pleaded not guilty to multiple narcotics-related charges during a court appearance in Manhattan, where he appeared shackled and wearing prison attire. His wife also entered a not-guilty plea. The next court date was set for March 17.
Maduro told the court he was innocent and said the charges were politically motivated. His defense lawyer said the case would involve extensive legal challenges, particularly concerning what he described as an unlawful military abduction.
Hours later, Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as interim president in Caracas. While expressing support for Maduro, she gave no indication that her administration would directly confront the US operation.
The US has long considered Maduro an illegitimate leader following the 2018 election. However, legal experts and several governments have questioned the legality of capturing a sitting head of state, warning that the move could undermine the rules-based international order.
Russia, China and several Latin American allies of Venezuela condemned the US action, while the UN Security Council convened to debate its broader implications.
Despite international concern, the Trump administration has defended the operation as lawful and necessary, framing it as part of a broader campaign against international drug trafficking.
As uncertainty surrounds Venezuela’s political future, the EU reiterated that restoring democracy, respecting sovereignty and upholding international law must remain central to any resolution of the crisis.
(Source: Anadolu Agency and Reuters)