Toppled Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, shackled at his feet and wearing orange prison garb, defiantly claimed he had been “kidnapped’’ during his historic first appearance in Manhattan court Monday on narco-terrorism charges — and then declared himself a “prisoner of war.”
Upon entering the courtroom, Maduro said, “Happy New Year” in English to the audience before greeting his lawyers.
He then almost immediately interrupted his court appearance with a proclamation of his innocence.
“I’m the president of the republic of Venezuela. … I am here kidnapped … I was captured at my home in Caracas, Venezuela,” the 63-year-old fallen despot proclaimed in Spanish before Judge Alvin Hellerstein stopped him.
The judge shot back, “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?” the judge asked.
The ousted dictator replied, “I am Nicholas Maduro Moros.’’
Maduro later engaged in a verbal spat with a man in the gallery as the hearing wound down.
Follow The Post’s live coverage of Nicolás Maduro’s NYC court appearance following his capture
The man, who identified himself as 33-year-old Pedro Rojas, stood up and heckled the ousted tyrant in Spanish, calling him an illegitimate president who will now face “real justice.”
Here’s the latest on Nicolás Maduro’s capture:
- Nicolas Maduro could face death penalty if fallen Venezuelan dictator convicted
- Venezuela’s acting prez changes her tune after criticizing US special forces raid, now wants to ‘collaborate’
- Fallen dictator assigned court-appointed attorney — meaning US will foot bill
- Marco Rubio says Venezuela’s VP Delcy Rodríguez isn’t a legitimate leader — as he outlines how next president will be chosen
Maduro turned to face him and said, “I am a man of God” and called himself a “prisoner of war” as he was led out of the courtroom.
During the hearing, Hellerstein had read off the charges contained in the indictment against the deposed socialist dictator, which date back to 1999.
“Mr. Maduro … is charged in one count of narco-terrorism conspiracy, specifically from 1999 to 2025, he knowingly conspired with others … and intentionally provided something of pecuniary value to a person or organization engaged in terrorism and terrorist activity,” the 92-year-old jurist said from the bench.
Maduro, clad in prison-issued orange shoes, beige pants and an orange shirt — with his hands left unshackled — was asked by Hellerstein if he understood he had the right to legal counsel.
“I am innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man. I am still president of my country,” Maduro said.
Maduro, who furiously scribbled notes on a white piece of paper during the proceedings, denounced the indictment against him.
“I am not guilty of anything that is mentioned here,” he said.
His wife Cilia Flores, who also faces a rash of charges, said at the same proceeding that she is “completely innocent” when asked by Hellerstein for her plea.
Maduro also asked that his notes be “respected” during the hearing and that he be “entitled to keep them.”
His lawyer Barry Pollack, who also questioned the legality of Maduro’s capture, said that although the toppled Venezuelan strongman was not seeking immediate release, he may submit a bail application at a later date.
