Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has formally denied the charges brought against him by the United States.
Following a U.S. military operation in Venezuela, President Maduro and his wife were detained and transported to a detention facility in New York. On January 5th, the couple was produced before a federal court in Manhattan.
The United States has leveled four counts against Maduro, including drug trafficking and providing support for terrorism through narcotics trade. During the court proceedings, Maduro pleaded not guilty to all charges, asserting his innocence. He further maintained that he is a person of high moral character and insisted that he remains the legitimate President of Venezuela.
His wife, Cilia Flores, also denied the allegations brought against her during the session.
Prior to the commencement of the thirty-minute hearing, a large crowd gathered outside the courthouse. The demonstrators included both supporters and critics of Maduro. The court has scheduled the next hearing for this case on March 17th.
