Deposed Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro appeared before a Manhattan federal court on Thursday for his ongoing narco-terrorism case, following his capture by US special forces in January. His wife, Cilia Flores, also appeared in court.
The hearing opened with arguments over whether Maduro should be allowed to use Venezuelan government funds to pay for his legal defence. His lawyers claim that blocking these funds violates his constitutional rights.
Maduro and Flores were captured in a controversial pre-dawn raid in Caracas on 3 January, which reportedly left 100 people dead. Both have pleaded not guilty to charges that Maduro led a corrupt government involved in drug trafficking.
Outside the courthouse, rival demonstrations took place, with pro-Maduro supporters calling for his freedom and opponents singing the Venezuelan national anthem. Meanwhile, in Venezuela, acting president Delcy Rodríguez has been consolidating power, replacing many of Maduro’s ministers and seeking foreign investment.
Legal experts have questioned the legality of the US military operation that captured Maduro, with some suggesting it may amount to war crimes. Conditions in the New York detention centre where Maduro is held have been described as dire.
