In a scene of extraordinary political theatre, the ousted president of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, was seen in handcuffs and escorted by heavily armed federal agents as he appeared before a federal court in Manhattan on Monday, 5th January 2026.
From Caracas Compound to New York Courtroom
The dramatic courtroom appearance followed Maduro's capture from his Caracas compound alongside his wife, Cilia Flores, on Saturday. US forces reportedly airlifted the couple out of Venezuela in an operation authorised by President Donald Trump, who has labelled Maduro a 'narcoterrorist'. The Venezuelan leader was brought to the courthouse in a convoy, having been transferred from a helicopter to an armoured vehicle under intense security.
Inside the court, Maduro pleaded not guilty to federal drug trafficking charges. He reportedly declared himself the "president of my country" in protest against his capture. The hearing took place amid a significant security presence in New York, with both supporters and detractors gathering outside the building.
Political Shockwaves and a New Leader in Venezuela
As Maduro faced justice abroad, the political landscape in Venezuela shifted rapidly. Back in Caracas, his smiling deputy, Delcy Rodriguez, was sworn in as the nation's Acting President. This transition occurred as the South American country grappled with the unprecedented spectacle of its former leader's forcible removal.
The UK government swiftly responded to the crisis. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that Venezuela must undergo a "peaceful transition to democracy" and reiterated his view that Maduro was an "illegitimate" leader. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper told the Commons she had raised the importance of international law with her US counterpart, Marco Rubio, following Trump's intervention.
"Our collective immediate focus must be on avoiding any deterioration in Venezuela into further instability, criminality, repression or violence," Cooper said, emphasising the potential for regional damage.
Protests Erupt in London and Global Reaction
The controversial capture sparked immediate international outcry. Hundreds of protesters gathered outside Downing Street in London on Monday evening, chanting "free Maduro" and listening to speeches from figures including former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and MP Richard Burgon. At one point, a small group of men in the crowd stamped on and tore up a US flag.
Meanwhile, at the United Nations, US Ambassador Mike Waltz defended the operation to the Security Council, describing Maduro's capture as a "surgical law enforcement operation". The event marks one of the most audacious cross-border actions in recent political history, setting a contentious precedent for international relations and the enforcement of US law abroad.
