05.01.2026 20:41
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who was arrested and brought to the United States following an attack by the U.S., appeared before a judge in New York. During the hearing, Maduro stated, "I am innocent, I am the president of my country. I am an honest man."
The President of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, who appeared before a judge in the United States, stated in the hearing, "I am innocent, I am the president of my country. I am an honest man."
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were removed from the country following the explosions that occurred in the capital of Venezuela, Caracas, on January 3.
APPEARED BEFORE THE JUDGE
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who was arrested and brought to the U.S. by the American attack, appeared before a judge in New York. Defending himself against the charges, Maduro said he is an honest person and that he is innocent.
Maduro claimed that he is "innocent" regarding all four charges directed at him today. These charges include conspiracy to commit drug terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine, and possession of a machine gun and destructive device.
In court, Maduro told Judge Alvin Hellerstein, "I am innocent. I am not guilty. I am an honest man."
"DRUG TERRORISM, COCAINE IMPORTATION CONSPIRACY..."
According to U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi's statement, the charges against Maduro are as follows: "Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores have been charged by the Federal Court for the Southern District of New York. Nicolas Maduro faces charges of conspiracy to commit drug terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices (explosive weapons), as well as conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices against the U.S. They will be tried on American soil, in American courts, with the full power of American justice."
WHAT HAPPENED?
On January 3, around 2:00 AM local time, explosions and sounds of aircraft were heard in the capital of Venezuela, Caracas. The Venezuelan government accused the U.S. of carrying out attacks on civilian and military facilities in various regions of the country following the explosions.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that a large-scale attack was carried out against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and that Maduro and his wife were removed from the country.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi also stated that a criminal complaint had been filed against Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores in the U.S., and that Maduro faced charges of "drug terrorism, cocaine trafficking, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices against the U.S."
The Venezuelan government called on the international community to condemn the U.S., while some countries criticized the attack, and others supported the U.S. with their statements.