New York, Jan 6 (NationPress) Nicolas Maduro, the Venezuelan head of state apprehended by the US, appeared in court to contest narco-terrorism allegations, claiming he is innocent and a “prisoner of war.”

Arriving at the courthouse under tight security for his initial hearing, he stated through a translator, “I am a kidnapped president. I am a prisoner of war.”

On Saturday morning, US Delta Force troops executed a precise operation, capturing him and his wife, Cilia Flores, at a military base in Venezuela and transporting them to New York.

During the procedural court session, both maintained their innocence against the 25-page indictment.

“I’m innocent. I’m not guilty. I am a decent man. I am still the president of my country,” Maduro asserted.

“I am the first lady of the Republic of Venezuela,” Flores echoed in court.

As Maduro began discussing his alleged kidnapping, Judge Alvin Hellerstein interrupted, noting he only needed to identify himself.

Maduro’s attorney, Barry Pollack, mentioned he may contest the legality of arresting a head of state, who theoretically possesses sovereign immunity, and the legality of his “military abduction.”

Both President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have referred to the actions against Maduro as law enforcement, not acts of war.

Maduro and Flores are currently detained in a federal lockup criticized for its dire conditions. They were transported by helicopter to a heliport near the courthouse and escorted in a high-security convoy.

Despite his past as a leader ruling with an iron fist, Maduro was treated like an ordinary prisoner, dressed in basic attire, even after being flown in via helicopter for security.

Upon entering the courtroom, accompanied by US Marshals, Maduro greeted everyone with “Buenos dias,” meaning “Good day” in Spanish.

Flores had bandages on her forehead, and her lawyer, Mark Donnelly, reported she sustained injuries during the US forces' operation, possibly including broken ribs.

The main accusations against the couple involve narco-terrorism conspiracy for purportedly trafficking large quantities of cocaine to the US, utilizing military and intelligence from Venezuela to safeguard drug shipments.

Supporting the narco-terrorism claims, they are also charged with possession of machine guns and destructive devices, along with conspiracy to possess them.

Additionally, they are accused of collaborating with terrorist groups in Colombia.

Some charges against Maduro carry the potential for a death penalty.

Charges of money laundering stem from his alleged transfer of funds generated through drug trafficking.

Flores also faces bribery charges related to drug cartels.

As Maduro and Flores were in a 26th-floor courtroom, below, hundreds of their supporters and opponents clashed, separated by police, each shouting for their causes.

Venezuelan flags waved on both sides, with Maduro’s supporters also brandishing flags bearing Trump’s name.

Initially assigned a court-appointed lawyer, Maduro opted for his attorney, Pollack, who previously represented WikiLeaks’ founder Julian Assange.

Judge Hellerstein, who is presiding over the case, is 92 years old but remains active in a senior judicial role, which allows him to continue serving.

He was appointed by former President Bill Clinton in 1998 and has overseen numerous high-profile cases, including those related to the 9/11 terror attacks.