Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan president, pleaded not guilty in a Manhattan federal courtroom on Monday after being captured early Saturday in Caracas. 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. According to an Associated Press report, Maduro declared "Soy inocente" (I am innocent) and told someone in the gallery that he considered himself a prisoner of war.

The U.S. government indicted Maduro on charges of narco-terrorism, corruption, and drug trafficking, alleging that he conspired with Colombian guerrillas to flood the United States with cocaine. These charges carry a potential sentence of life in prison. The indictment is part of a broader U.S. effort to pressure Maduro to step down and allow for free and fair elections in Venezuela.

The U.S. military operation that led to Maduro's capture has been met with condemnation from various international actors, who view it as a violation of Venezuelan sovereignty. Supporters of Maduro have characterized the operation as an act of aggression and a blatant attempt at regime change. Critics of Maduro, however, argue that his alleged criminal activities justify the U.S. intervention.

The Venezuelan crisis has been ongoing for years, marked by political instability, economic collapse, and a humanitarian crisis. Maduro's government has been accused of human rights abuses, corruption, and authoritarianism. The U.S. and other countries have imposed sanctions on Venezuela in an effort to pressure Maduro to cede power to opposition leader Juan Guaidó.

The next steps in the legal proceedings against Maduro are uncertain. He is currently being held in federal custody in New York. His lawyers are expected to challenge the legality of his capture and the validity of the charges against him. The case is likely to be a lengthy and complex one, with significant implications for U.S.-Venezuelan relations and the future of Venezuela.