Venezuelan leader Maduro and his wife plead not guilty in Manhattan court

Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have pleaded not guilty during a hearing at a Manhattan court.

Source: AP

Details: During the hearing, Maduro said: "I am innocent… I am a decent man, the president of my country."

The judge also informed the couple of their right to consular protection, which they exercised.

AP reported that after the judge addressed Maduro's wife and asked her to confirm her identity, Flores said in Spanish through an interpreter: "I am the First Lady of the Republic of Venezuela."

When asked to enter a plea, she replied: "Not guilty. Completely innocent."

Maduro's lawyer said his client is the head of a sovereign state and is entitled to the corresponding privileges and immunity, adding that he also has health problems.

Flores's lawyer said his client had suffered serious injuries during the abduction and she requires a medical examination.

The next hearing was scheduled for 17 March.

Background:

• On 3 January, the US Army's Delta Force, an elite special forces unit, captured Maduro and took him out of the country.
• US President Donald Trump said that the United States will govern Venezuela until a clear and safe transfer of power takes place there.
• It was later reported that Maduro and his wife had landed at Stewart Air Force Base in New York.
• The Constitutional Chamber of Venezuela's Supreme Court has ruled that Vice President Delcy Rodríguez will serve as acting president during Maduro's absence.
• The European Union has issued a statement saying that it does not consider Nicolás Maduro to be the legitimately elected president of Venezuela and supports the fight against transnational organised crime and drug trafficking, but that these challenges must be addressed in full compliance with international law.
• On 5 January, Maduro and his wife were transported by helicopter and armoured vehicle to a federal court in New York to face charges. Media reports said the couple would face federal charges related to drug trafficking and cooperation with gangs designated as terrorist organisations.

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