Abducted Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro declared himself “innocent” and a “decent man”, saying he is still the president of his country, as he pleaded not guilty to federal drug trafficking charges in a United States courtroom, Al-Jazeera reported.

Maduro appeared before the judge, who asked him to identify himself, which he did in Spanish. He described himself as the president of Venezuela, something that US authorities are challenging, saying that he’s not the legitimate leader.

Maduro was brought into court wearing a prison uniform and handcuffs. He has headphones on to translate the proceedings into Spanish. This is very much a formulaic appearance, what’s known as an arraignment. This is the first appearance before the court for a defendant, when they are asked to recognise their charges. Defendants are read their charges and given a chance to respond.

Maduro responded that he was not guilty. Indeed, he said he had been kidnapped and that he was a good man.

After judge Alvin Hellerstein read the charges against Maduro, including “narco-terrorism conspiracy” and asked for his plea, Maduro replied: “I am innocent. I am not guilty of anything that is mentioned here.”

Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, also stressed her innocence when asked for her plea: “Not guilty. Completely innocent,” she said.

Protests took place in Manhattan as Maduro’s court hearing got underway.

MNA