Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has made his first statements before a U.S. court, firmly denying allegations in a drug-terrorism case brought against him. Maduro told the court that he was captured at his home in Caracas, Venezuela, and insisted that the charges are unfounded.

“I am innocent. I am an honest man. I am the president of Venezuela,” Maduro declared, adding that he considers himself a prisoner of war following his arrest. He emphasized that he was taken directly from his residence in the Venezuelan capital.

Maduro also revealed that he had not previously seen the indictment against him and said he was unaware of his legal rights at the time of his appearance.
Meanwhile, his wife, Cilia Flores, also pleaded not guilty to charges related to illegal cocaine trafficking in the United States, according to Reuters.

Both Maduro and Flores have formally requested consular assistance from the Venezuelan embassy as the legal process continues.