Appearing in a Manhattan courtroom after a U.S. military operation, Nicolás Maduro has denied narcotics and terrorism charges, as his vice president was sworn in as Venezuela’s interim leader in Caracas.
At a hearing on Monday, the man who has ruled Venezuela since 2013 described himself as a "decent man" who had been "kidnapped", before being cut off by the judge.
The arraignment has plunged U.S.-Venezuelan relations, international law and the future of the oil-rich nation into uncharted territory.
Wearing orange and beige prison clothing, Maduro, 63, told the court through an interpreter: "I am innocent. I am not guilty… I am still president of my country."
He and his wife, Cilia Flores, who also pleaded not guilty, listened through headphones as Alvin Hellerstein, a U.S. district judge, outlined four criminal counts.
The charges include overseeing a cocaine-trafficking network in coordination with international drug cartels, conspiracy to import cocaine and possession of machine guns.
Outside the courthouse, dozens of demonstrators both supporting and opposing Maduro gathered, reflecting deep divisions over his rule.
His lawyer, Barry Pollack, said he expected "voluminous and complex litigation" over what he described as his client’s "military abduction".
As Maduro was being processed by the U.S. justice system, a rapid political transition was under way in Caracas. Hours after the hearing, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as interim president.
While offering support for her predecessor, Rodriguez gave no indication that she would challenge the U.S. military operation.
U.S. officials say the move forms part of a calculated strategy by President Donald Trump’s administration.
A recent U.S. intelligence assessment, reported by the Wall Street Journal, said Rodriguez was viewed as best placed to lead a temporary government capable of maintaining order.
Trump: Venezuela under U.S. control until stability restored
U.S. captures Maduro, Trump vows temporary control of Venezuela
The operation has raised serious legal questions internationally.
The United Nations Security Council met to debate the raid, which was condemned by Russia, China and several of Venezuela’s leftist allies as a violation of national sovereignty.
U.S. officials have rejected the criticism. White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller told CNN: "The United States of America is running Venezuela," adding: "We set the terms and conditions."
President Trump said U.S. oil companies including Exxon Mobil, ConocoPhillips and Chevron would return to help rebuild Venezuela’s oil infrastructure, a process he suggested could be subsidised by Washington.
However, Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said a congressional briefing on the plan was "vague, based on wishful thinking and unsatisfying", underlining divisions in Washington over the long-term strategy.
Maduro’s next court appearance is scheduled for 17 March.
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Iranian-made Yassin missiles were spotted mounted on Armenian Air Force fighter aircraft during Armenia's latest military parade on Thursday (28 May), drawing attention from defence observers and regional analysts.
The Philippines remains under a "severe threat" from China despite recent efforts by Washington and Beijing to ease tensions, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on Saturday (30 May).
Russia has recalled its ambassador to Armenia for consultations, citing Yerevan's growing rapprochement with the European Union. The move is seen as the latest sign of deteriorating relations between the longtime allies ahead of Armenia's parliamentary election on 7 June.
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
A group of Azerbaijani civil society organisations has called for increased scrutiny of Swiss building materials giant Holcim, citing court rulings and ongoing investigations linked to its subsidiary Lafarge's activities during the Syrian conflict.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says ongoing conflict, funding pressures and international travel restrictions are complicating efforts to contain a fast-growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Iranian-made Yassin missiles were spotted mounted on Armenian Air Force fighter aircraft during Armenia's latest military parade on Thursday (28 May), drawing attention from defence observers and regional analysts.
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
The Philippines remains under a "severe threat" from China despite recent efforts by Washington and Beijing to ease tensions, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on Saturday (30 May).
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged Asian allies to increase military spending, warning of growing concern over China’s rapid military expansion and wider activities in the region.
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
Three Latvian climbers have died after falling on Mount McKinley in Alaska’s Denali National Park and Preserve, authorities and a Latvian climbing organisation have said
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 30 May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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