If you're going to face federal drug trafficking charges in Manhattan, you might as well hire the lawyer who defended Julian Assange. That's exactly what ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro did when he appeared in court Monday alongside his wife, Cilia Flores, to plead not guilty to allegations they helped funnel cocaine into the United States.
Defiant Denials In Federal Court
Standing before federal Judge Alvin Hellerstein just days after being seized in a U.S. military operation, Maduro was unequivocal. "I am innocent, I am not guilty," he told the court, according to CNN. He doubled down moments later: "I am not guilty of anything that is mentioned here."
Flores followed suit, declaring herself "completely innocent." Neither is seeking bail, which suggests they understand they're not walking out of this one anytime soon.
The Charges And The Defense Strategy
The four-count indictment paints a sprawling conspiracy involving armed guerrilla groups, drug cartels, and international gangs, all allegedly orchestrated to pump cocaine into American cities, Reuters reported. When asked if he wanted the indictment read aloud, Maduro declined, saying he'd prefer to review it himself.
Enter Barry Pollack, the high-profile attorney who represented WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. Pollack told the court he's preparing legal arguments around what he characterized as Maduro's "military abduction." He's also considering invoking foreign leader immunity, though that's a tough sell given U.S. courts stopped recognizing Maduro as Venezuela's legitimate president back in 2019.
Trump Threatens More Military Action
The courtroom drama comes just a week after President Donald Trump hinted at a second military intervention in Venezuela, with potential operations extending to Colombia and Mexico. Trump warned that if Venezuelan officials don't cooperate, worse could follow. He even suggested that interim leader Delcy Rodriguez might face something "probably worse than Maduro."
The operation that nabbed Maduro was swift and decisive. A rapid U.S. mission captured him and transferred him aboard the USS Iwo Jima to face federal charges. Analysts called it "shock and awe," and a viral photo of Maduro in a gray Nike tracksuit and blackout glasses quickly became internet fodder.
Political Backlash Over The Operation
Not everyone's cheering the military action. Sen. Bernie Sanders argued Trump lacked constitutional authority and violated international law. Kamala Harris called the operation unlawful and suggested it was motivated by oil interests. Sen. Chuck Schumer accused the administration of misleading the public about the entire affair.
What happens next will likely depend on whether Pollack's arguments about military abductions and immunity gain any traction with the courts. For now, Maduro and Flores are settling in for what promises to be a lengthy legal battle in the American justice system.