Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores made their first appearance in a US court following their capture, pleading not guilty to narcoterrorism, cocaine importation, and weapons charges. Maduro declared himself the President of Venezuela and described his detention as a kidnapping, calling himself a prisoner of war. Defense lawyers indicated no bail request yet, while medical evaluations were ordered amid reports of health concerns and visible injuries to Flores. Venezuela’s vice president urged peace and sovereignty as international reactions continued. The next court hearing is scheduled for March 17, signaling prolonged legal battles in the coming months.
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