Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has pleaded not guilty in a New York court to drug and weapons charges.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were captured in a US military raid in the Venezuelan capital Caracas on Saturday, appeared before Judge Alvin Hellerstein in federal court in Manhattan this evening.
The 63-year-old ousted Venezuelan president told the judge: "I am not guilty. I am a decent man. I am still the president of my country."
They are charged with four counts of drug terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices.
Supporters of Nicolas Maduro protested outside the courthouse before the indictment of Mr. Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein set the next court date for March 17.
Meanwhile, Venezuela's newly re-elected parliament head has vowed to seek all means to "bring back" ousted President Nicolas Maduro.
"As president of this National Assembly, my main duty in the coming days will be to use all procedures, all venues, all means to bring back my brother and President Nicolás Maduro Moros," Jorge Rodriguez told parliament.
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