Maduro Pleads Not Guilty in U.S. Court, Calls Himself “Prisoner of War”

Ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro appeared before a U.S. federal court in Manhattan on 5 January 2026 and pleaded not guilty to multiple charges brought by the U.S. government, including narco-terrorism conspiracy, drug trafficking, weapons and related offences.

During the brief arraignment hearing, Maduro described himself as “innocent” and “still president of my country” and said he had been “captured” or “kidnapped” by U.S. forces in Caracas.

“Prisoner of War” Claim and International Law

In court, Maduro referred to himself as a “prisoner of war” — a term he used to challenge the legitimacy of his detention and argue that his capture was unlawful.

Legal Status of Prisoners of War (POWs)
Under the Third Geneva Convention of 1949, a prisoner of war is defined as a combatant captured during an armed conflict. POW status applies to members of the armed forces, militias or volunteer corps who meet specific criteria, such as carrying arms openly and operating under a command structure. POWs are entitled to protections under international law, including humane treatment, protection from prosecution for lawful acts of war, and repatriation at the end of hostilities.