Maduro appeared in a New York federal courtroom and denied all charges against him. He spoke through an interpreter during his first appearance. From the start, he rejected every accusation presented by the court.

“I’m innocent. I am not guilty,” Maduro told the judge. He also called himself a decent man. In addition, he said he is the president of his country. His remarks came as the court opened the hearing.

Next, the judge read a summary of the charges. These included federal drug trafficking allegations. The court also cited claims of a narco-terrorism conspiracy. According to the court, the case connects to actions taken during the Trump administration.

Those charges formed the basis for bringing Maduro to New York. However, Maduro said he had not read the indictment. He also said no one had explained his legal rights to him before the hearing.

“I did not know of these rights,” he said through the interpreter. He added that the judge explained those rights during the session. As a result, the judge said the court would enter a not guilty plea for him.

Then, the judge asked Maduro again how he pleaded. “I am innocent,” Maduro replied. He added that he was not guilty of anything mentioned in court. His response was firm and repeated his earlier statements.

Afterward, the judge turned to Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores. First, the judge asked her to confirm her identity. “I am first lady of the Republic of Venezuela,” Flores said through an interpreter.

Next, the judge asked Flores to enter her plea. “Not guilty,” she told the court. She also said she was completely innocent. Like her husband, she denied all allegations.

Throughout the hearing, both spoke calmly and directly. Neither accepted responsibility for the charges. Instead, both strongly defended their innocence.

The courtroom exchange remained brief. Still, the accusations described were serious. The charges focused on federal drug trafficking claims.

Despite that, Maduro rejected every allegation again. Likewise, Flores denied any wrongdoing. In the end, the court recorded both pleas as not guilty.

For now, the case will continue in the US legal system. Meanwhile, Maduro and Flores maintain they committed no crimes.

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