Deposed Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro appeared in a Manhattan federal court on Thursday for his 'narco-terrorism' case, following his capture by US military forces in January. His wife, Cilia Flores, also appeared in court. Both have pleaded not guilty.
The hearing opened with arguments over whether Maduro should be allowed to use Venezuelan government funds to pay for his defence. His legal team claims the US is violating his constitutional rights by blocking access to those funds.
Maduro and Flores were captured on 3 January in a controversial pre-dawn raid in Caracas that reportedly killed 100 people. Charging papers allege Maduro led a corrupt government that protected drug trafficking.
Outside the court, demonstrators for and against Maduro faced each other behind metal barricades. Pro-Maduro banners called for his freedom, while opponents sang the Venezuelan national anthem. In Caracas, a small crowd gathered to pray for the couple and condemn the violation of Venezuela's sovereignty.
Meanwhile, acting president Delcy Rodríguez has rapidly distanced herself from Maduro, removing nearly half his cabinet ministers. Addressing a business summit in Miami, she claimed Venezuela was poised for economic growth under her leadership.
