Deposed Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro denies charges in New York court 

He also claimed he was 'kidnapped' in a military incursion

Venezuela’s president Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, both in handcuffs, being escorted by armed US agents. Picture: XNY/Star Max/GC

As deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro appeared in a New York court, the US state department posted an image of president Donald Trump on social media overlaid with the words, “This is OUR Hemisphere and president Trump will not allow our security to be threatened”.

At his hearing in Manhattan, Mr Maduro, aged 63, pleaded not guilty to four criminal counts: narco-terrorism, cocaine importation conspiracy, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices. His wife Cilia Flores also pleaded not guilty.
Mr Maduro told the court: “I am innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man. I am still president of my country” before being cut off by the judge.