Maduro, Appearing in U.S. Court for Arraignment, Says He Was ‘Kidnapped’ and Pleads Not Guilty

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Jonah E. Bromwich, Benjamin Weiser, Maia Coleman and Hurubie MekoJanuary 5, 2026 at 08:12 PM

Read Original Article

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

Nicolás Maduro, the ousted Venezuelan leader, appeared in a Manhattan federal court on Monday, January 5, 2026, and pleaded not guilty to federal charges including narco-terrorism and cocaine importation. Maduro, who was captured in Caracas on Saturday by Army Delta Force commandos and transported to the U.S., claimed he was "kidnapped" and declared himself a "prisoner of war." Despite his protests, Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein only confirmed his identity. Maduro's lawyer indicated they may challenge the legality of the arrest and the U.S. government's refusal to recognize him as Venezuela's legitimate president. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were indicted, leaving Venezuela's future uncertain. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated Maduro was a fugitive from American justice.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Army Delta Force 35% Hugo Chávez 40% Barry Pollack 40% Cilia Flores 50% Marco Rubio 50% Alvin K. Hellerstein ×260% Manhattan ×360% Venezuela ×370% United States ×280% Nicolás Maduro (Maduro) ×995%

Keywords

nicolás maduro 100% kidnapped 80% arraignment 70% u.s. court 70% not guilty plea 70% venezuela 70% federal charges 60% rendition 50% narco-terrorism 50% prisoner of war 40%