In a New York court on Monday, former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro entered a not guilty plea to drug trafficking charges. During his initial U.S. court appearance following his capture by American forces over the weekend, he described himself as a “decent man” and “a prisoner of war.”

The charges against Maduro include narco-terrorism and conspiracy to import cocaine. Other defendants named in the case are his wife, Cilia Flores, his son, Nicolás Ernesto Maduro Guerra, and additional Venezuelan officials. A conviction could result in life imprisonment for them.

During Monday’s noon arraignment, the ousted leader continuously declared his innocence. Appearing before Judge Alvin K Hellerstein in a blue prison uniform, Maduro stated, “I am innocent. I am not guilty of anything that is mentioned here.”

Following her husband, Flores also pleaded not guilty. “Not guilty. Completely innocent,” she declared.

Maduro further maintained his claim to the Venezuelan presidency, asserting, “I am still president of my country.” Flores also identified herself as the “first lady of the Republic of Venezuela” prior to her plea.

Maduro’s legal team is anticipated to claim he possesses immunity from prosecution because he is the president of a foreign nation. The United States government, which has refused to acknowledge his last two election wins, does not consider Maduro Venezuela’s legitimate leader.

Toward the hearing’s conclusion, Maduro’s lawyer, Barry J. Pollack, stated his client is the “head of a sovereign state and entitled to the privilege” of that role. He added that “voluminous” legal documents concerning the “legality of his military abduction” would be submitted before any trial.

The hearing concluded in under 30 minutes, with both Maduro and Flores consenting to stay in detention for now. Mark Donelly, the attorney for Flores, mentioned she needs medical care for rib injuries.

A subsequent court date for Maduro has been scheduled for March 17.

While leaving the courtroom, Maduro was labeled “illegitimate” by a man. Maduro replied in Spanish, “I am a kidnapped president,” again referring to himself as “a prisoner of war.”

In a related development on Monday, Venezuelan Vice President was formally inaugurated as the nation’s interim president. Rodríguez, who has been vice president since 2018, was identified by Trump on Saturday as the leading contender to replace Maduro.

“She, I think, was quite gracious, but she really doesn’t have a choice,” Trump remarked on Saturday. “She is essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again. Very simple.”