In a dramatic development that has shaken the global political establishment, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro New York on Monday , pleading not guilty to charges of "narco-terrorism" and arms trafficking. This historic appearance follows a U.S. military operation that led to his arrest and transfer to the United States, an unprecedented move against a sitting head of state.
During the initial procedural hearing, the 63-year-old Maduro addressed the court in a resolute tone, saying, "I am innocent, I am not guilty." He further explained the circumstances of his arrest, stating, "I was arrested at my home in Caracas , and I still consider myself the legitimate president of Venezuela," according to US media outlets permitted to attend the hearing.
Background of the conflict and the charges
This event is not a spontaneous occurrence, but rather the culmination of years of escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas. Since 2020, the US Department of Justice has formally charged Maduro and several of his top aides with turning Venezuela into a state sponsor of drug trafficking, alleging his collaboration with armed groups to export cocaine to the United States and use the proceeds to finance illicit activities and buy the loyalty of the military.
The Venezuelan president and his wife arrived at the courthouse under heavy security to appear before a federal court , where this session is considered procedural for reading the charges and determining the course of the trial.
Behind the scenes of the trial and its international impact
In a striking detail regarding the court proceedings, US authorities prohibited live streaming of the hearing, and the administration of US President Donald Trump selected a 92-year-old retired judge to preside over Maduro's trial . Controversially, this judge had previously ruled against Trump himself in past cases, adding a layer of legal and political complexity to the situation.
This arrest carries serious geopolitical implications, as observers believe that the vacancy in the Venezuelan presidency could lead to a power vacuum or internal conflict between factions within the regime and the opposition. Global energy markets are also closely watching the impact of this trial on Venezuelan oil exports, given that the country possesses the world's largest oil reserves, amid fears of disruptions that could affect global supplies and prices.
