Nicolás Maduro pleads not guilty in New York court

Deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro has pleaded not guilty to US federal drug trafficking charges during his first appearance in a US courtroom.

“I’m innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man, the president of my country,” Maduro told the judge.

The court read out a summary of the charges, including allegations of a “narco-terrorism conspiracy.” The case stems from charges the Trump administration cited to justify capturing Maduro and bringing him to New York.

Maduro said he had not read the indictment and had not been informed of his rights. “I did not know of these rights,” he said through an interpreter. “Your honor is informing me of them now.”

The judge said a not guilty plea would be entered on Maduro’s behalf. Asked again for his plea, Maduro said, “I am innocent. I am not guilty of anything that is mentioned here.”

After Maduro’s plea, the judge turned to his wife, Cilia Flores, and asked her to confirm her identity. “I am first lady of the Republic of Venezuela,” Flores said through an interpreter before entering her plea.

“Not guilty. Completely innocent,” Flores told the court.

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