The Digest:
Deposed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro pleaded not guilty to narco-terrorism charges in a Manhattan federal court on Monday, two days after being captured by U.S. forces in Caracas. He told the judge he had been “kidnapped” and declared, “I’m still the president of my country.”
Key Points:
- Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, both entered not guilty pleas in New York
- They were captured in a U.S. military raid supported by warplanes and naval assets
- President Trump announced the U.S. would now oversee Venezuela’s oil-rich economy
- UN Secretary-General called for respect of sovereignty amid international alarm
- Leaders in Mexico and Colombia condemned the U.S. intervention
- Maduro’s interim replacement, Delcy Rodríguez, signaled cooperation with U.S. demands
- U.S. oil company shares surged following Trump’s statements on Venezuelan oil access
Sources: AFP, Premium Times, Channels TV
