Former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is back in New York court as his lawyers seek to have drug trafficking charges dismissed in a dispute over legal fees.
this is the first time maduroThe 63-year-old, and his wife, Cilia Flores, 69, have appeared in court Since the January hearing In which he has denied all the allegations.
Maduro led Venezuela From 2013 until his dramatic capture of Flores by US military forces on January 3 His home in Caracas was raided overnight.
Maduro is accused of working with drug cartels and members of the military to facilitate the shipment of thousands of tons of cocaine to the US, as well as ordering the kidnappings, beatings and murders of people who owed him drug money or undermined his smuggling operations.
If found guilty, he faces life imprisonment.
Before the hearing, people gathered outside the court in New York to protest for and against Maduro, although the larger group were supporters of the former leader. There are also reports of a scuffle between the two groups.
Supporters of ousted President Nicolas Maduro protested outside a New York courtroom. Photo: Reuters
both are happening Detained in Brooklyn Detention CenterAnd no one has asked to be released on bail. Judge Alvin Hellerstein has not yet set a hearing date in the case, although that could happen during the hearing.
Prosecutors have not yet revealed who will testify against Maduro, who is being represented by Barry Pollack, one of America’s most prominent defense lawyers.
Lawyers are set to argue that the US is violating the ousted leader’s constitutional rights by blocking Venezuelan government funds to pay his legal costs.
Authorities are securing the court complex ahead of Maduro’s appearance. Photo: Reuters
Prosecutors have previously responded that the U.S. government had authorized Maduro and Flores to use personal funds to pay their legal fees, but Maduro said he was unable to defend himself.
To qualify for an attorney at the taxpayer’s expense, he or she must show that he or she is too poor to pay for it.
Read more from Sky News:
Inside Maduro’s January court hearing
Maduro’s gross incompetence
Maduro and Flores enjoy some support in Venezuela, with murals and billboards in the capital Caracas calling for their return.
But while Maduro’s ruling party remains in power, they have been gradually ousted from the government of Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodriguez.
