“Not Guilty, I Remain Venezuela President” – Maduro Declares Inside U.S Courtroom

Ousted Venezuela leader, Nicolas Maduro, has pleaded not guilty to the charges read against at a New York Court on Monday.

He was charged with allegations bordering around narcotics and weapon trafficking.

The embattled Maduro, also added that he still considers himself as the President of Venezuela.

The 63-year-old who insisted that he remains innocent, said he was seized at his home in Caracas by the American military.

“I am innocent, I am not guilty,” Maduro said according to US media inside the courtroom.

The leader also hinted that he was ‘kidnapped’ in the U.S military operation but still considers himself the President of Venezuela.

“I’m still the president of my country,” he added.

Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, likewise pleaded not guilty.

Recall the deposed Maduro, was on Monday escorted into a New York courthouse under heavy security to face narcotic and weapon trafficking charges.

He was transported to the courthouse by helicopter and armoured vehicle, surrounded by heavily armed US law enforcement officers.

He is facing long-standing narcotics trafficking charges, accusations Washington has repeatedly levelled against his administration over the years.

As events unfolded rapidly, Venezuela’s interim leader, Delcy Rodriguez, appeared to soften her initial defiant stance late Sunday by extending an olive branch to Washington.

On Sunday, she announced the creation of a high-powered commission to negotiate the release of ousted former President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following their capture by United States forces in Caracas.

The development comes less than 48 hours after Maduro’s arrest and transfer to New York.