Venezuela swore in Delcy Rodríguez as interim president following the arrest of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces, a move intended to demonstrate the nation's independence and autonomy. The swearing-in ceremony took place in a parliamentary session where lawmakers, including Maduro's son, condemned the capture and demanded Maduro's release, according to multiple news sources.

The session began with demands for Maduro's release from U.S. custody. Rodríguez, who had served as vice president since 2018, expressed her distress over what she described as the "kidnapping" of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were reportedly seized by U.S. forces in an overnight raid on Saturday, according to BBC World.

Earlier in the day, Maduro appeared in a New York court and pleaded not guilty to four charges of drug trafficking and terrorism. During the court appearance, Maduro insisted he was still the president of Venezuela, according to BBC World.

The move to swear in Rodríguez as interim president signals a potential shift in the country's leadership and its relationship with the United States, captivating global audiences and raising questions about sovereignty and the future of Venezuelan politics, according to NPR News. Lawmakers framed Maduro's capture as a threat to global political stability, NPR Politics reported.

The situation remains fluid, and the international community is closely watching developments in Venezuela. The next steps for both Venezuela and the United States remain unclear.