SHOTLIST:

NEW YORK, US (JAN. 5, 2026) (ANADOLU - ACCESS ALL)

1. POLICE VEHICLES, ARMORED MILITARY VEHICLE AND AMBULANCE LEAVING COURTHOUSE NEW YORK, US - JAN. 5: The first court hearing of captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro concluded on Monday, Jan. 5, at a federal court in New York, with the judge scheduling the next hearing for March 17.

Maduro and his wife, first lady Cilia Flores, pleaded not guilty Monday to a series of gun and drug charges brought by the Trump administration.

"I am innocent. I am not guilty of anything that is mentioned here," Maduro told US Judge Alvin Hellerstein, according to multiple reports. Flores similarly responded when asked for her plea, telling Hellerstein that she is "not guilty. Completely innocent."

Hellerstein advised Maduro and Flores that they have a right to a consular visit, and both said they would like to have one.

US prosecutors allege that Maduro led and coordinated criminal networks linked to narcotics shipments bound for the US. Maduro has denied the accusations, and officials in Caracas have called for the couple’s release.

On Saturday, Trump said the US military action on Venezuela had resulted in the capture of Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, also pledging to assert American control over the country for the time being, with US troops if necessary.

After the US captured Maduro, Venezuela's Supreme Court directed Vice President Delcy Rodriguez to “immediately” assume the post of acting president.