Before deposed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was brought to the United States to face drug-trafficking charges, another Latin American leader had already stood trial in a US court for similar crimes. The outcome, however, was very different.

Shivraj Singh Yadav, a leader of Samajwadi Party and a close aide of party chief Akhilesh Yadav, sparked a huge controversy with his remark that “Yadavs are not Hindus”.

Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro pleaded not guilty to all charges in a US courtroom, asserting his continued leadership. Captured at his Caracas home, Maduro appeared in prison attire, shackled, and with translation headphones. His defense attorney confirmed the not guilty plea. Further court proceedings are anticipated soon.