Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has declared his innocence before a United States court, following a dramatic military operation that led to his capture in Caracas and transfer to New York.
Courtroom Declaration of Innocence
During his first court appearance in New York on Monday, January 5, 2026, President Nicolas Maduro entered a plea of not guilty to all charges filed by US authorities. "I am innocent, I am not guilty," Maduro stated directly to the court. He further asserted that he was "kidnapped" from his home in Caracas and emphasized that he remains the legitimate president of Venezuela. His wife, Cilia Flores, who appeared alongside him, also professed her complete innocence regarding the US allegations. The judge has scheduled the next hearing in this high-profile case for March 17.
Operation and International Backlash
The court appearance came after a shocking series of events that began early Saturday. US military forces executed attacks and bombings in Caracas and other Venezuelan regions. The operation culminated in the forceful apprehension of President Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, who were then placed in custody and transported to New York. This unprecedented move by the United States has sent shockwaves across the globe, triggering widespread condemnation and expressions of serious concern from the international community regarding the violation of sovereignty.
Widespread Protests and Public Outcry
The US government's actions have ignited protests both domestically and internationally. Outside the New York courthouse, demonstrators gathered, holding banners with messages like "Free Maduro," "No War on Venezuela," and "USA hands off Venezuela." One protester, Sydney Loving, told media that the charges were "completely outrageous" and opposed such intervention in a sovereign nation. "To kidnap a president of another country is absolutely crossing a red line. It definitely violates international law," Loving emphasized.
Furthermore, on Saturday, citizens across the United States took to the streets in over 100 cities, including major hubs like Washington, Boston, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, and Miami. The coordinated protests denounced the military operation against the oil-rich South American nation and demanded the immediate release of President Maduro, highlighting deep domestic divisions over the foreign policy maneuver.
