Maduro in Court: "I Am Innocent and I Am Still the President of My Country"

SadaNews - Former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro pleaded his innocence on Monday in a New York court in connection with drug and arms trafficking charges, condemning the U.S. military operation that led to his arrest.

Maduro, who is 63 years old, stated in court, "I am innocent, I am not guilty," adding that he was arrested in his home in Caracas, declaring, "I am still the president of my country. I am a prisoner of war," according to American media reports from inside the courtroom.

At the end of the session, a judge ordered Maduro to appear in court on March 17 for a hearing.