Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores appeared in court today (Monday), for the first time since they were captured in Caracas on Saturday.
During his court appearance, Maduro pleaded innocent, as did his wife, and stated that he had been "kidnapped."
"I'm the president of the Republic of Venezuela," Maduro stated. "I am here kidnapped ... I was captured at my home in Caracas, Venezuela."
"I am innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man. I am still president of my country," he also stated.
District Judge Alvin Hellerstein then cut the deposed Venezuelan leader off, stating: Let me interfere -- there will be a time and a place to go into all of this. Your counsel will be able to make motions ... at this time, I just want to know one thing: Are you Nicolás Maduro Moros?"
Maduro replied in the affirmative.
Maduro and his wife have been indicted on charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices against the United States.
Maduro's lawyer said that he is not seeking an immediate release, but reserves the right to "put in a bail application at a further day.''