Captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, 63, pleaded not guilty to charges of human rights abuse and torture of critics, including U.S. citizens he perceived as disloyal to his administration.
Mr Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, entered their plea on Thursday in Manhattan federal court, denying the updated charges.
He appeared in court alongside Mrs Flores, 70. The couple were both wearing prison garb with their ankles shackled.
Mr Maduro, who spoke through a translator, described the allegations as false.
“I have seen that it is the sum of concepts and allegations that were already presented previously, of false accusations and false testimony against me,” the deposed Venezuelan leader said.
“How do you plead, guilty or not guilty?” Mr Hellerstein retorted.
“I reject this document in its entirety, of false accusations and false testimony,” Mr Maduro continued, causing the judge to interrupt.
“A plea of not guilty will be entered on behalf of Mr Maduro,” the judge said.
Mr Maduro’s wife entered the same plea.
“I am completely innocent. I am not guilty,” Ms Flores said.
Prosecutors revised a litany of charges, including narcoterrorism, brought against the Maduros after new information suggested the Maduros abused the human rights of his opponentsin Venezuela.
The updated charges said he starved them of food and sometimes used electric shocks to torture them.
In light of the new charges, Mr Hellerstein postponed the trial by two weeks, saying it would start June 14, 2027.
U.S. President Donald Trump authorised the capture of the Maduros from Caracas in January this year, sparking debates on sovereignty, given it was the first time a sitting president would be arrested and ferried abroad to face charges.
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