Abducted Venezuelan president appears in US federal court on drug-related charges, UNSC meets to discuss crisis.

Captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro arrives at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport, as he heads towards the Daniel Patrick Manhattan United States Courthouse for an initial appearance to face U.S. federal charges including narco-terrorism, conspiracy, drug trafficking, money laundering and others in New York City, U.S., January 5, 2026. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Video Duration 00 minutes 59 seconds

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Abducted Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro taken to NYC courthouse

  • Abducted Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro has 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.
  • Interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez calls for a “balanced and respectful” relationship with Washington during the transition of power, as President Donald Trump insists the US is in control of Venezuela.