Maduro Pleads Not Guilty In US Court As Venezuela Slams Washington Over ‘Abduction’ Case

As Delcy Rodríguez took oath as interim President of Venezuela, deposed leader Nicolás Maduro pleaded not guilty to major narcotics charges in a New York federal court. The 63-year-old faces four criminal counts, including narco-terrorism, cocaine importation conspiracy, and illegal weapons possession. Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, also entered a not-guilty plea, with the next hearing scheduled for March 17. Pro- and anti-Maduro protesters gathered outside the courthouse during the brief hearing. Maduro’s lawyer described the case as complex litigation, while Venezuela’s UN representative condemned US actions as neo-colonial interference.