RismadarVoice Reporters
January 5, 2026
Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro has pleaded not guilty to multiple criminal charges, including narco terrorism, drug trafficking conspiracy, and possession of prohibited weapons.
Maduro appeared before a federal court in New York on Monday, where he denied all allegations read out in the indictment. His wife, Cilia Flores, who is also facing related charges, entered a not guilty plea. The court fixed the next hearing for March 17, 2026.
The charges accuse Maduro of overseeing an international cocaine trafficking network that allegedly collaborated with violent criminal groups across Latin America.
Prosecutors claim the alleged activities spanned several years, including his time as a lawmaker, foreign minister, and president.
Maduro has consistently denied the allegations, insisting that the charges are politically motivated, aimed at undermining Venezuela’s sovereignty and control over its natural resources.
His appearance followed his recent capture during a military operation in Caracas, an action that has sparked widespread international debate, raised questions about the legality of foreign intervention against a sitting head of state.
In Venezuela, authorities issued emergency directives ordering security agencies to identify and arrest individuals accused of supporting the operation that led to Maduro’s arrest.
Meanwhile, government officials have called for calm as public life gradually resumes in parts of the country.
Global reactions remain mixed, with concerns raised over regional stability, international law, and the future political direction of Venezuela.
The case continues as diplomatic tensions persist, uncertainty surrounds the structure of governance in the post Maduro era.
