NEW YORK, Jan 5 (KUNA) - In his first court appearance in New York, the former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro told the judge that he is still the president of his country and he had been kidnapped from his home in Caracas.
The captured Venezuelan leader and his wife Cilia Flores pleaded not guilty to all charges, the CNN reported.
After entering a not guilty plea, Maduro said, "I am still president of my country," before being cut off by the judge.
He also said: "My name is President Nicolas Maduro Moros. I am president of the Republic of Venezuela and I am here kidnapped, and I - since January 3, Saturday. I was captured at my home in Caracas, Venezuela." The judge replied that "there will be a time and place to go into all of this." The two appeared to be injured as Flores swaying and dipping her head at times. Maduro also seemed injured, struggling to sit down and stand up at points.
"I am a kidnapped president. I am a prisoner of war," Maduro affirmed.
The next hearing is scheduled for March 17.
US President Donald Trump announced a "large scale strike" and rendition of his Venezuelan counterpart on Saturday, later stating the US would now "run the country" until a transition could be secured.
Venezuela has characterized the operation as blatant military aggression and a flagrant violation of the UN Charter, posing a threat to international and regional peace and security. (pick up previous) ast.ibi