Maduro Claims ‘Prisoner of War’ Status Amid US Abduction, Pleads Not Guilty in New York Court
Maduro insists on “prisoner of war” status as he faces narcotics charges in a Manhattan federal court.
- Maduro pleads not guilty to narcoterrorism and cocaine importation charges.
- Claims he is a “prisoner of war,” challenging US legal treatment.
- Co-defendant wife Cilia Flores also pleads not guilty; rights under international law remain in question.
Two days after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, 63, was taken into custody by US special forces during an operation in Venezuela, he appeared in a Manhattan federal court on Monday.
Maduro pleaded not guilty to charges including narcoterrorism and conspiracy to import cocaine. Wearing a blue and orange prison uniform, he listened as prosecutors detailed the indictment against him and his co-defendants, which include his wife, Cilia Flores, and his son.
While the Trump administration has described Maduro’s capture as a law enforcement operation that did not require congressional approval, Maduro insisted in court that he should be treated as a “prisoner of war” (POW)—a designation for someone captured and detained during an armed conflict.
“I am innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man. I am still president of my country,” Maduro declared through an interpreter before US District Judge Alvin Hellerstein interrupted him.
Cilia Flores also appeared in court as a co-defendant and pleaded not guilty.
Maduro’s POW claim raises questions about his rights under international law, which currently are not being extended to him.
