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Delcy Rodriguez has been sworn in as Venezuela’s interim president during a parliamentary session that commenced with demands for the release of ousted leader Nicolas Maduro from U.S. custody.
Rodriguez, 56, who has served as vice president since 2018, expressed her distress over what she described as the “kidnapping” of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following their apprehension by U.S. forces in a raid on Saturday.
In dramatic scenes that unfolded in a New York courtroom earlier, Maduro asserted his claim as the legitimate president of Venezuela as he pleaded not guilty to charges of drug trafficking and terrorism.
Meanwhile, the U.S. faced considerable criticism at the United Nations, countered by the U.S. ambassador’s assertion that the world’s largest energy reserves could not remain under the control of an illegitimate leader, characterized as a “fugitive from justice.”
Prior to the court appearance, the UN Security Council convened an emergency session to address the situation in Venezuela.
Venezuela’s ambassador, Samuel Moncada, stated that his country had been subjected to an “illegitimate armed attack lacking any legal justification.”
U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, defended the action by referring to Maduro as “an illegitimate so-called president.”
Waltz further stated that the U.S. had conducted a “surgical law enforcement operation” to apprehend Maduro, whom he also identified as a “fugitive from justice.”
Maduro faces accusations including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess such items.
During Monday’s court proceedings, an individual in the public gallery verbally accosted Maduro in Spanish, vowing he would “pay” for his actions.
Maduro responded, identifying himself as a “kidnapped president” and a “prisoner of war,” before being escorted out in shackles with his wife through a back exit.
“I’m a decent man. I am still president of my country,” Maduro had stated earlier in the 30-minute hearing.
Judge Alvin Hellerstein, 92, interjected to inform Maduro that there would be an appropriate “time and a place” to address the issues raised.
Speaking shortly after Saturday’s operation – involving over 150 aircraft and 200 U.S. personnel entering Venezuela – President Trump declared the U.S. would “run” Venezuela until a “safe, proper, and judicious transition” could occur.
He also affirmed that U.S. oil companies would be deployed to repair infrastructure “and start making money for the country.”
Despite the U.S. president’s assertions, Maduro’s allies maintain control.
In remarks to The Atlantic on Sunday, upon learning Rodriguez would be sworn in, Trump warned that she could “pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro” if she “doesn’t do what’s right.”
During a cabinet meeting, Rodriguez indicated her government would pursue cooperation with the U.S., stating: “We invite the US government to collaborate with us on an agenda of co-operation orientated towards shared development within the framework of international law.”
Thousands of Venezuelans gathered outside the Federal Legislative Palace to express support for Maduro, his wife, and interim president Rodriguez as she was sworn in.
Following her oath, Rodriguez told the National Assembly she did so “with pain” owing to the suffering caused by “illegitimate military aggression.”
She vowed to guarantee the peace and “spiritual, economic and social tranquillity” of the country and its people.
Maduro’s son also addressed the assembly, conveying his support for his parents and stating that they “will return” to Venezuela.
He further offered his “unconditional support” to Rodriguez.
The next court hearing in Maduro’s case is scheduled for March 17.
The BBC’s Madeline Halpert reported from inside the courtroom as the former Venezuelan president addressed the judge.
The U.S.’s apprehension of Venezuela’s leader has faced strong criticism internationally.
During the 40-minute arraignment, Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, pleaded not guilty to drugs and weapon charges.
Arizona Senator Mark Kelly had urged service members to refuse unlawful orders following U.S. strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has stated Maduro was brought to the U.S. to “face justice.” Some experts have expressed concerns.
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