A defiant Nicolás Maduro declared “I’m still president of my country” when he appeared in a New York City courtroom for the first time on federal drug trafficking charges on Monday following his capture by President Donald Trump.
“I am innocent, I am not guilty,” Maduro said, according to multiple reports.
He also told federal judge Alvin Hellerstein he was a “decent man,” Fox News anchor Harris Faulkner told viewers.
Maduro appeared in the lower Manhattan courthouse after being held at a federal detention center in Brooklyn since he was brought to the U.S. on Saturday.
CNN’s Dana Bash reported Hellerstein was repeatedly “cutting off” Maduro as he spouted off comments, with the judge reminding the dictator he was there simply to be arraigned.
Maduro was charged with narco-terrorism conspiracy, weapons charges, and cocaine-importation conspiracy. Maduro and three other defendants trafficked “thousands of tons of cocaine to the United States,” according to the indictment.
His wife Cilia Flores also entered a not guilty plea. Their appearance in court comes after Trump ordered the U.S. military to strike Venezuela and arrest Maduro in a daring operation early on Saturday morning. Trump said the U.S. will now “run” Venezuela with the socialist strongman locked up in New York.
CBS reporter Matt Gutman joined anchor Tony Dokoupil from outside the rowdy courthouse on Monday afternoon. Gutman reported Maduro told the judge he “didn’t know” his rights.
Protestors gathered outside the courthouse with signs championing Maduro and criticizing the U.S. for his arrest.
“Defend Venezuela! Free Nicolás Maduro!” one sign said. “U.S.A. Hands Off Venezuela” another sign read.
Their protests followed several others nationwide over last weekend.
At the same time, many people celebrated his day in court.
“Thank you President Donald Trump!” one sign said, while another included a picture of Maduro’s face crossed out with a red marker. “Make Venezuela Great Again!” another sign read in red, blue, and yellow.
Watch the Fox News report on his comments above.
