Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Monday pleaded not guilty to charges of narco-terrorism levelled against him by the US government.
Maduro was charged with narco-terrorism, cocaine importation conspiracy and possession of machine guns and destructive devices.
He pleaded not guilty through an interpreter before being cut off by US District Judge Alvin Hellerstein.
“I am innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man. I am still president of my country,” he said.
Maduro’s wife Cilia Flores also pleaded not guilty. The next court date was set for March 17.
reports that Maduro is accused of overseeing a cocaine-trafficking network that partnered with violent groups including Mexico’s Sinaloa and Zetas cartels, Colombian FARC rebels and Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang.
Meanwhile, he has long denied the allegations, saying they were a mask for imperialist designs on Venezuela’s rich oil reserves.
On Monday morning, Maduro – his hands zip-tied – and his wife Cilia Flores were escorted by armed guards in tactical gear from a Brooklyn detention center to a helicopter bound for court.