Nicolas Maduro Pleads Not Guilty In New York Court

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: Barron's/AFP

Jan 05, 2026, 12:24 pm EST


Venezuela's ousted leader Nicolas Maduro pleaded not guilty Monday in a New York court to narco-trafficking and weapons charges, as he slammed the US military operation that resulted in his capture.

"I am innocent, I am not guilty," the 63-year-old told the court, adding he was seized at his home in Caracas and that he still considers himself the president of Venezuela, according to US media inside the courtroom.

Read more: https://www.barrons.com/news/nicolas-maduro-pleads-not-guilty-in-new-york-court-d2addb04

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No paywall (gift)

Short article at post time.

(The vast majority of the M$M are reporting this - at the moment- using their "Live Updates" (which is not permitted in LBN).

[twodogsbarking]

1. I thought Trump was getting rid of immigrants but here he goes bringing more in. Geez.

[maxsolomon]

2. Absurd to tack on the weapons charges.

They're going to have to craft a special all-White Male Republican jury to make this BS stick.

[quakerboy]

3. so.. what happens

If this gets thrown out of court, or they lose the case?

[ManuelV]

4. I'm hoping this happens

I saw one lawyer say the U.S. can make up whatever laws they want in a case like this but I’m hoping it doesn’t happen. I hoping he goes free . Let this add to trumps actions for his impeachment.

[RoseTrellis]

5. Real charges

Maduro needs to stand trial for real charges, not this trumped up bullshit.
50 countries agree that he stole the election, and his human rights violations are also well documented.

Do you really hope he goes free?

[quakerboy]

6. precious little chance he goes free regardless

Even if he is acquitted fully on the rediculous drug and weapons charges, not like trump is releasing him. Maybe they move him to ice detention for not having legal right to be in the country, then send him to cecot?

[ManuelV]

7. Yes

I don’t support overthrowing Venezuela’s government—it only leads to chaos, death, and destruction.

If there are real crimes, prove them. A guilty verdict would only empower Trump and justify even more reckless actions.

[The Grand Illuminist]

8. Gotta side with you on this.

He is a Venezuela problem. It will only take the courage of the Venezuela people to bring him down on their own. Case in point- Slobodan Milošević.