Deposed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro pleaded not guilty Monday in federal court in Manhattan to U.S. charges that include narco-terrorism and cocaine trafficking, telling the judge he is “innocent” and a “decent man”.
The federal case centers on four counts outlined in a superseding indictment, including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Maduro, 63, was brought into the courtroom in a blue jail uniform and handcuffs for the brief arraignment. The judge set the next court date for March 17. Maduro’s lawyers indicated they plan to challenge the legality of how he was taken into U.S. custody and argue the case raises sovereignty and jurisdiction issues.
Maduro has long denied U.S. allegations dating back years, but Monday’s courtroom appearance marked the start of what is expected to be a prolonged legal fight in New York.
