Maduro and wife plead not guilty in US court

Venezuela's ousted leader, Nicolas Maduro pleaded not guilty to multiple federal charges during his appearance before a New York City federal court on Monday. Maduro declared himself the "president of my country" as he protested his capture. Pleading innocent in a US court, Maduro told the judge, "I was captured," as he made his first court appearance on drug trafficking charges, adding, "I am a decent man, the president of my country." Maduro repeatedly asserted he is still the leader of Venezuela.

Maduro said in Spanish as translated by a courtroom reporter before being cut off by the judge. Asked later for his plea to the charges, he stated: ""I'm innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man, the president of my country." The criminal case in Manhattan is unfolding against the diplomatic backdrop of an audacious US-engineered regime change that President Donald Trump has said will enable his administration to "run" the South American country. His next court date is set for March 17.

Meanwhile, Switzerland has frozen any assets held in the country by Nicolas Maduro and individuals close to the Venezuelan leader, the Swiss government said on Monday. The asset freeze takes immediate effect and will remain in place for four years, unless extended. The Swiss foreign ministry said a total of 37 people are currently affected by the measure. The move is aimed at ensuring that potentially illegally acquired assets cannot be transferred out of Switzerland, according to a government statement cited by Bloomberg.

Delcy Rodriguez, who has signalled a willingness to work with Washington, took the oath as Venezuela’s interim president during a ceremony at the National Assembly, telling lawmakers she was assuming office “in the name of all Venezuelans.” Addressing the chamber, Rodriguez said she was “in pain over the kidnapping of our heroes, the hostages in the United States,” referring to Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who are facing drug-related charges along with other Venezuelan officials.