Maduro in US Court: "I Am Innocent"

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has pleaded not guilty in a United States federal court. He faces multiple criminal charges, including accusations related to drug trafficking and terrorism. The U.S. government alleges he led a criminal organization that conspired to flood America with cocaine. "I am innocent. I am not guilty of anything that is mentioned here," Maduro said through a translator during the virtual hearing on Tuesday. The hearing was conducted by video link. Maduro appeared from Caracas, Venezuela's capital. A not-guilty plea is standard procedure at this early stage of a U.S. criminal case. The charges were first announced by the U.S. Department of Justice in 2020. At that time, the U.S. also offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his arrest. Maduro has long denied the allegations. He and his government call the case a politically motivated attack. The U.S. does not recognize Maduro as Venezuela's legitimate president. It recognizes opposition leader Juan Guaidó. This court appearance is a highly unusual situation. It involves a current head of state being charged by a foreign government. Legal experts say a trial is unlikely to happen soon.