Nicolas Maduro tells New York court he is a 'decent man' as he pleads not guilty to federal charges

The country's president, 63, made his first court appearance after he and his wife Cilia Flores were captured at their home in Caracas by the US military on Saturday.

In his first public words since being brought to the US, Maduro told the court: "I am not guilty, I am a decent man, I am still the president of my country."

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Maduro appeared in court wearing a prison jumpsuit alongside his wife, who also pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The couple faces drug and weapons charges that carry the death penalty if convicted. Their next court appearance will be on March 17.

Maduro is being represented by Barry J. Pollack, known for helping to free WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

His legal team is expected to content the legality of his arrest and argue that he is immune from prosecution as a sovereign head of state.

The Venezuelan leader arrived in New York earlier today in shackles and surrounded by armed officers as he prepared for his first court appearance.

He was seen wearing a brown prison jumpsuit as he was dragged from a helicopter in chains, after he was flown across the East River from Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center.

Maduro was then escorted by two police officers, one on each arm, before being joined by more than 10 armed officers, who escorted him into an armored vehicle.

The captured Venezuelan president was subsequently driven to Manhattan Federal Court, where he will be arraigned at 12pm ET (5pm GMT).

According to US attorney general Pam Bondi, Maduro faces charges of:

• Narco-terrorism conspiracy
• Cocaine importation conspiracy
• Possession of machine guns and destructive devices
• And conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices against the US

Under federal law, a defendant found guilty of violating the Controlled Substances Act "as part of a continuing criminal enterprise" can be eligible for capital punishment, according to the Library of Congress.

But death sentences for drug offences are uncommon, with most capital offences involving homicide.

Maduro's lawyers are expected to contest the legality of his arrest, arguing that he is immune from prosecution as a sovereign head of state.

Shortly after his court appearance, Venezeula's vice president Delcy Rodriguez was formally sworn in as interim president.

Rodriquez, who was sworn in by her brother and president of the National Assembly Jorge Rodriguez, invited the US to collaborate with Venezuela but said the country maintains its right to "peace, development, sovereignty, and a future".

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper told the House of Commons that that UK was not involved in the US operations to capture Maduro and his wife, but did speak with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the matter.

"UK policy on Venezuela has long been to press for a peaceful transition from authoritarian rule to a democracy, which reflects the will of the Venezuelan people and maintain security in the region, and is in line with international law," the minister told MPs.

Mark E. Donnelly, the lawyer for Maduro's wife, Cilia, said: "Our client is in good spirits. We look forward to reviewing and challenging the evidence the government has.

"While we would love to present our side now, we will wait to do so in court at the appropriate time. "The first lady is aware that there is a long road ahead and is prepared.

Flores also pleaded not guilty to the charges laid against her at a New York court hearing earlier - and added she was "completely innocent."

Speaking to reporters hours after Maduro’s capture on Saturday, Mr Trump revealed his plans to exploit the leadership vacuum to “fix” the country’s oil infrastructure and sell “large amounts” of the fuel to other countries.

The US will “run” the country until “a safe, proper and judicious transition” transfer of power can take place, Mr Trump said.

In a post on his Truth Social platform shortly before addressing the media, he posted an image which appeared to show the autocratic leader blindfolded aboard the US warship Iwo Jima and headed to New York.

The attack saw explosions ring out and low-flying aircraft sweep through the Venezuelan capital early on Saturday.

The action, seen as the most assertive US intervention to achieve regime change since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, followed months of pressure from Washington on the country and its autocratic leader.

US Attorney General Pam Bondi said on X that Maduro had been indicted on charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices and cocaine importation conspiracy.

Early on Sunday, the White House’s rapid response account on X posted a video appearing to show Maduro handcuffed and escorted by law enforcement agents.

The video was captioned “perp walked”.