Handcuffs, shackles and prison uniform; Nicolas Maduro denies drug trafficking charges in US court

WASHINGTON: It was one of the most extraordinary moments in political history. The man who wielded supreme power in Venezuela for more than a decade, walking around in handcuffs, without any followers, was a sight that left his followers back home in disbelief.

Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, who were arrested by US and labelled as a drug lord and terrorist group leader, were presented in Manhattan Federal Court in New York. This marked the beginning of the official trial of the two, who are in the custody of the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Maduro and Cilia were brought to court in prison uniforms. Cilia had injuries to her face. Although the handcuffs were removed inside the court, she was still wearing shackles.

Judge Alvin Kenneth Hellerstein read out the charges against Maduro, including conspiracy to commit drug trafficking, cocaine trafficking, illegal possession of machine guns and deadly weapons, and conspiracy to use them against the United States. Maduro and his wife have denied the charges. Maduro's lawyer, Barry Pollack, said the leader is not seeking bail at this time. The court ordered that both remain in the Brooklyn jail, given the nature of the charges and the possibility of escape. Maduro is due back in court on March 17.

• Even if legal proceedings are initiated, it will take months or more than a year for Maduro's trial to begin

• Maduro's team will argue in court that his arrest violated international law and that he has legal immunity from prosecution as a head of state. The US, which accuses Maduro of election fraud, will oppose this.

• Prosecutors could offer a plea deal to avoid trial, including a guilty plea, but experts say it could be a long wait.

Iran and China have called for Maduro's immediate release. Spain again condemned the US invasion of Venezuela. Meanwhile, British Minister Mike Tapp called Maduro an "evil dictator" and said Venezuela would be safer with him out of power. The UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting to discuss the situation in Venezuela.