Photo: AFP
Deposed Venezuelan dictator and alleged narcotics trafficker Nicolás Maduro is officially in front of a U.S. judge for the first time, after being apprehended by U.S. forces during a special operation in Venezuela on January 3.
Maduro has maintained that he is innocent during his arraignment hearing. According to reports, he and his wife—who was also arrested and is facing similar charges—have officially entered not-guilty pleas.
Crowds have also gathered outside the New York courthouse, with crowds of Venezuelans cheering Maduro’s arrest while American leftists push for his release.
According to reports, Maduro has been speaking out vocally during the hearing, with Judge Alvin Hellerstein repeatedly shutting him down. He is quoted as saying: “I am innocent. I am a decent man. I am still president of my country.”
He also reportedly tried to give a detailed account of his capture by U.S. forces but was again shut down by Judge Hellerstein.
