Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan president, pleaded not guilty in a Manhattan federal courtroom on Monday following his capture in Caracas early Saturday. The arraignment followed a U.S. military operation to apprehend Maduro, a move that has triggered international controversy.

Maduro's appearance before Judge Alvin Hellerstein was described as surreal, with the Venezuelan leader displaying a mix of bravado and defiance. He reportedly told an individual in the gallery that he considered himself a prisoner of war. The courtroom spectacle unfolded against a backdrop of heightened tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela.

The U.S. government has long accused Maduro of corruption, human rights abuses, and drug trafficking. These accusations led to sanctions and ultimately, the alleged military operation resulting in his capture. The U.S. Justice Department unsealed an indictment against Maduro several years ago, offering a multi-million dollar reward for information leading to his arrest.

The Venezuelan government has condemned Maduro's capture as an act of aggression and a violation of international law. Supporters of Maduro maintain that he is the legitimate president of Venezuela, while the U.S. and other countries recognize opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the interim president.

The legal proceedings against Maduro are expected to be lengthy and complex. The charges against him carry significant penalties, including potential life imprisonment. The case is likely to further strain relations between the U.S. and Venezuela and could have implications for the ongoing political crisis in the South American nation. The next hearing date has not yet been set.