Maduro Pleads Not Guilty to Narco-Terrorism Charges

Former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro entered a Manhattan courtroom on Monday, declaring his innocence in response to narco-terrorism charges. He maintained that he is a “decent human being” and is not guilty of the allegations against him.

“I’m innocent. I’m not guilty,” Maduro stated through an interpreter. “I’m a decent human being. I’m still the president of this country.”

The hearing was overseen by U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein. Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, also pleaded not guilty to similar drug-terrorism charges during the proceedings.

The couple, along with Maduro’s close military associate Diosdado Cabello and Hector Ruthenford Guerrero Flores, a leader of the Torren de Aragua criminal organization, face four indictments from the Department of Justice (DOJ). These charges revolve around an alleged narco-terrorism scheme that supposedly involves a Colombian terrorist group and a Mexican drug cartel.

According to the indictment, the defendants participated in extensive cocaine trafficking operations, allegedly distributing thousands of tons of cocaine into the U.S. over the duration of the charges. The indictment states, “Defendant Nicolás Maduro Moroz, along with his family and other corrupt officials, provided law enforcement cover and logistical support for the shipment of cocaine through Venezuela, knowing that his drug trafficking partners were transporting the cocaine north to the United States.”

On January 3, a U.S. military elite unit known as Delta Force executed Operation Absolute Resolve, during which they reportedly invaded Maduro’s mansion in Caracas. Maduro reportedly attempted to escape by hiding in a fortified room.

Following their arrest, the Maduros were taken into U.S. custody and subsequently moved to Stewart Airport in New Windsor, New York, before being transferred to a jail in New York City.