Nicolás Maduro Pleads Not Guilty to US Charges in New York Court

Maduro's Court Appearance

• ⛓️ Nicolás Maduro and his wife appeared in a New York courtroom, dressed in navy blue prison outfits with orange shirts and shackled at the ankles.
• 📝 Maduro was observed taking notes throughout the entire hearing.

Pleas and Declarations

• 🗣️ When asked to confirm his name, Maduro declared he was the president of Venezuela, a prisoner of war, abducted, and innocent.
• 🚫 He waved the formal reading of the indictment and pleaded not guilty, stating, "I am a decent man."
• ⚖️ His wife, Cilia Maduro, also asserted her innocence, claiming she was the first lady of the Republic of Venezuela and had been abducted.

Legal Proceedings and Concerns

• 🤝 The legal team for both Maduro and his wife referred to their capture as an abduction and anticipate a complicated legal process.
• ⚕️ They requested a consular visit for the Maduros, which is permitted by law.
• 🤕 Concerns were raised about the medical condition of Cilia Maduro, with claims of injuries sustained during her apprehension, potentially including broken ribs.
• ✅ The judge assured that medical care would be provided for both individuals.