Let me go, I am still the President of Venezuela - Maduro says in New York court.

Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro appeared before a New York court for the first time, asserting that he is still the President of Venezuela and declaring himself innocent of drug trafficking and other charges. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were arrested at their official residence in Caracas during an operation launched by a special American force and brought to the United States last Saturday.

At the end of the court hearing, when a member of the public shouted against Maduro, saying "you will pay for what you have done," a tense exchange of words ensued, during which Maduro retorted, stating that he was a "prisoner of war."

The couple was brought to the court under heavy security, handcuffed, and by helicopter. Protesters gathered outside the court premises, with some displaying signs saying "America, hands off Venezuela," while others held signs saying "Thank you, President Trump." Both Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, denied the drug trafficking and arms-related charges, asserting their innocence before the court. Her lawyer informed the court that Cilia Flores had sustained a broken rib and severe bruising during the arrest, and the judge ordered that she be provided with necessary medical treatment.

Meanwhile, Delcy Rodriguez has been sworn in as Venezuela's new interim president before the National Assembly. Notably, she, who previously served as Vice President under Maduro, has expressed willingness to share a "cooperation agenda" with Washington, adopting a softer policy towards the US government and the Trump administration after this incident. This series of events has had a significant impact on regional politics, and although Trump accused Colombian President Gustavo Petro of trafficking cocaine to the US, Petro has vehemently denied those allegations.

Following reports that 32 Cuban nationals died during the American operation, Cuba, a close ally of Venezuela, has declared two days of national mourning. The UN Security Council also convened to discuss the situation, where the American representative described it as a law enforcement operation, but the Venezuelan ambassador condemned it, stating that it was a violation of the United Nations Charter. Maduro's next court hearing is scheduled for March 17.