In a surprising twist this Monday, January 5, 2026, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, pleaded not guilty in a Manhattan courtroom, rejecting serious narco-terrorism and drug charges. The couple, who were seized by U.S. forces in Caracas on Saturday, January 3, stood before U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein in the Southern District of New York.
Maduro, facing narco-terrorism allegations, told the judge, “I am a decent man, the president of my country.” Meanwhile, Flores denied all drug-related accusations.
The judge set their next hearing for March 17, 2026. As the legal drama unfolds, the world is watching how this case could reshape international relations and Venezuela’s political future. Stay tuned! 🤔⚖️
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
