Venezuela in Crisis: Maduro Pleads Not Guilty in NY Court as Acting President Seeks Peace with U.S.
Lions Roar News Global Update
NEW YORK / CARACAS (January 6, 2026) — The political landscape of Venezuela has reached a boiling point following the dramatic capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces. As the deposed leader faces a federal judge in New York, the leadership in Caracas is attempting a delicate diplomatic dance, balancing calls for peace with a fierce defense of national sovereignty.
⚖️ “I Am Still President”: Maduro’s Defiant Day in Court
In a highly anticipated appearance at a New York Federal Court on January 5, Nicolás Maduro stood before a judge to address a 25-page indictment. Heavily guarded and appearing alongside his wife, Cilia Flores, Maduro remained defiant.
- The Plea: Maduro pleaded “not guilty” to all charges, including narco-terrorism, weapons trafficking, and money laundering.
- The Claim: “I am innocent, I am a good man, and I have done nothing wrong,” Maduro told the court. He emphasized that he remains the legitimate President of the Republic of Venezuela and characterized his arrest on January 3 as a “kidnapping” from his home.
- Detention Details: Following the 40-minute hearing, the couple was returned to the notorious Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, a facility known for overcrowding and poor conditions. The case has been adjourned until March 17, 2026.
🕊️ Acting President Rodriguez Extends an Olive Branch
While Maduro sits in a Brooklyn jail, Acting President Delcy Rodriguez has issued a formal invitation to the United States to de-escalate the conflict.
Speaking from Caracas, Rodriguez stated that Venezuela remains committed to peace and prioritized moving toward a “balanced and respectful relationship” with Washington. She urged the U.S. to engage on a “cooperation agenda” within the framework of international law, asserting that the Venezuelan people have an inherent right to sovereignty, development, and a future free from foreign intervention.
🚨 Trump Issues New Military Warning
Despite the diplomatic overtures from Rodriguez, U.S. President Donald Trump has maintained a hardline stance. Trump declared that the United States is effectively in control of Venezuela’s trajectory and issued a stern warning to Maduro’s remaining allies. He cautioned that failure to cooperate with the new transition would result in further military strikes, signaling that the U.S. intervention may not be over.
💰 Switzerland Freezes Maduro’s Millions
The legal and political pressure intensified as Switzerland announced a total freeze on all assets belonging to Nicolás Maduro and his inner circle.
- The Terms: The freeze is set to last for four years.
- The Purpose: Swiss authorities stated that if the assets are proven to have been acquired illegally, they will attempt to return the funds to the Venezuelan people. The move does not currently affect other members of the Venezuelan government, focusing solely on Maduro’s immediate network.
🌍 Global Reaction: UN and Sri Lanka Voice Concern
The U.S. military raid has split the international community.
- United Nations: Secretary-General António Guterres expressed “deep concern,” suggesting that the U.S. actions show a disregard for international legal norms. An emergency UN meeting saw a divide between nations criticizing the move as illegal and those supporting the removal of the Maduro regime.
- Sri Lanka: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Colombo released a statement expressing “serious concern” over the situation. The Sri Lankan government emphasized the safety of the Venezuelan people and urged all parties to seek a “peaceful solution through dialogue” rather than military force.
