Speaking through a translator, ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro pleaded not guilty Monday to charges of narco-terrorism, assorted weapons charges and conspiracy to import cocaine to the United States.

"I am innocent, I am not guilty," Maduro told Judge Alvin Hellerstein, speaking through a translator.

Earlier in the pretrial hearing, Maduro confirmed his identity at Hellerstein`s request. Maduro said it is indeed his name, and in an extraordinary moment, identified himself as the current Venezuelan President.

"I am a decent man," he said. "I am still the president of my country."

He added, "I was captured at my home in Caracas, Venezuela."

Hellerstein repeatedly cut Maduro off as the deposed leader attempted to grandstand.

Given the unprecedented nature of his extrajudicial arrest, it`s not exactly a surprise, but Maduro did not ask to be released on bail.

Maduro is being represented by Barry Pollack, a Washington attorney who also represented Julian Assange.

Cilia Flores, Maduro`s wife, also entered a plea of not guilty.

"Not guilty, completely innocent," she told the judge.

Both Flores and Maduro also requested that they be allowed to visit the Venezuelan consulate.