Judge Cuts Off Ousted Venezuelan Dictator Maduro As He Tries To Defend Himself In Court
The federal judge overseeing Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro’s case interrupted the deposed leader as he attempted to defend himself in court Monday, according to multiple reports.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, pleaded not guilty during their arraignment in Manhattan.
“I am the president of Venezuela, I was captured in my home in Caracas Venezuela,” Maduro told the judge when asked to identify himself, according to NBC News.
Judge Alvin Hellerstein, a Clinton appointee, interrupted Maduro to tell him he was only asking for his identity, noting that “there will be time and place to get into all of this,” according to the New York Times.
When the judge informed Maduro of his rights, he reportedly responded that he “didn’t know those rights,” according to NBC.
Maduro was indicted Saturday on four counts of narcoterrorist conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy and weapons charges.
“I am an honest man,” Maduro said, according to NBC. “I am still the president of my country.”
Judge: How do you plead?
Maduro: I am innocent. I am an honest man. I am president-
Defense Attorney: This is a plea of not guilty to all counts.
Judge: Bridget… [His courtroom deputy] She will bring you to justice– Downtown Press (@innercitypress) January 5, 2026
Barry Pollack, a nationally known litigator who previously represented WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, represents Maduro, according to court records. Maduro’s wife is represented by former federal prosecutor Mark Donnelly. (RELATED: Scathing indictment claims Nicolás Maduro orchestrated drug-fueled ‘culture of corruption’ that plagued region)
Donnelly told the judge that Flores had “severe bruising on his rib” that would need attention while in custody, according to NBC.
“They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts,” Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote on
Hellerstein spoke out in May against the Trump administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport suspected members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang. He previously declined to take Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s case against President Donald Trump to federal court, where Trump was seeking to challenge his 2024 conviction.
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