In his first court appearance in New York of the USA, Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela declares “I am still president” while entering a not guilty plea to drug trafficking and other counts.
As part of a special forces operation, he and his wife Cilia Flores, were taken from their Caracas compound on Saturday and transported to the United States.
Maduro called himself a “prisoner of war” during a heated exchange with a member of the public that concluded today’s hearing.
Protesters have been gathering outside with some holding placards that read “USA Hands-off Venezuela” while another with “Thank You President Trump”.
Earlier, stunning photos showed both Maduro and his wife being escorted by armed officers to the courts handcuffed.
In the meantime, Maduro and Flores have been hailed as “heroes” by Delcy Rodríguez who took office as Venezuela’s acting president.