Maduro tells the court in New York he remains the leader of Venezuela, according to the BBC’s US partner CBS News.
“I’m innocent. I’m not guilty. I’m a decent man, the president of my country,” he says via an interpreter.
Maduro pleaded not guilty to all the charges he is faced with.
Four counts were listed on the indictment, including narco-terrorism conspiracy and possession of machine guns and destructive devices.
His wife, Cilia Flores, who was also seized alongside him over the weekend, has also pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking and weapons charges.
Maduro’s lawyer says his client is not seeking to be released on bail, but he may at a later time, according to multiple US media outlets.
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for 17 March, US media is reporting, with the judge ordering Maduro to appear again.
As Maduro was pleading not guilty inside the courthouse, a group of protesters and counter protesters were gathered outside chanting to the beat of drums.
One placard reads “USA Hands-off Venezuela”, another “Thank You President Trump”.
The arraignment of Maduro and his wife began and ended with dramatic moments today. The clang of Maduro’s leg shackles could be heard before he entered the courtroom, where he turned around and nodded and appeared to say “buenos dias” to several people in the audience.
The most tense moment came at the end of the arraignment, when a member of the public began to yell in Spanish at Maduro that he would “pay” for what he had done.
Maduro turned to him and replied in Spanish that he was a “kidnapped president” and a “prisoner of war” before he was escorted out in shackles behind his wife through the back court door.
The member of the public, who was crying, was asked to leave court.
