March 27, New Delhi – Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro appeared in a New York court on Thursday in an ongoing drug trafficking case. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are seeking to have the charges dismissed amid a dispute over legal fees.
The court heard arguments regarding whether Maduro can use Venezuelan government funds to pay for his defense. A U.S. judge questioned the government's decision to block access to these funds but refused to dismiss the case.
Maduro and Flores, appearing in prison attire, have pleaded not guilty to charges including narcoterrorism conspiracy.
Their lawyers argue that restrictions on funds violate their right to legal counsel under the U.S. Constitution. Prosecutors maintain that the sanctions are based on national security and foreign policy concerns. Demonstrators gathered outside the courthouse, both supporting and opposing Maduro as the case proceeds.
(File Photo: Nicolás Maduro, Former Venezuelan President)