Former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro pleaded not guilty on Monday in a U.S. federal court in Manhattan to narcotics-related charges, following his capture by U.S. forces and transfer to the United States. Appearing before U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein, Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, both entered not-guilty pleas, and their next court date was set for March 17. Outside the courthouse, both supporters and opponents of Maduro gathered during the hearing.

U.S. prosecutors accuse Maduro of overseeing a cocaine-trafficking network linked to armed groups and criminal organizations, including Mexico’s Sinaloa and Zetas cartels, Colombia’s FARC rebels, and Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang. He faces multiple charges, including narco-terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine, and weapons offenses. U.S. authorities allege his involvement dates back to his time in Venezuela’s National Assembly and continued through his presidency, which began in 2013. Maduro has consistently denied the accusations.

In Caracas, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president hours after the court appearance, while Venezuelan authorities issued emergency orders targeting individuals accused of supporting the U.S. operation. The incident prompted debate at the United Nations Security Council, with several countries raising concerns about sovereignty and legality. The United States first indicted Maduro in 2020, and the case was expanded in 2026. Venezuela remains under its existing government structure as international reactions and legal proceedings continue.