Ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro made a second court appearance in New York following his capture and transfer to US custody. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been held in a Brooklyn jail since US authorities removed him and began cooperating with his successor, a shift that has altered bilateral relations.
Maduro reportedly smiled as he entered the Manhattan courtroom and did not speak during the proceedings. Outside the courthouse, supporters and opponents gathered, blowing horns, beating drums and ringing cowbells. Critics carried signs reading ‘Maduro rot in prison,’ while backers held messages calling to ‘Free President Maduro.’
The hearing focused on who will pay for the legal defense of Maduro and Flores. The Trump administration says existing US sanctions bar the Venezuelan government from covering their legal fees; Maduro and Flores contend they do not have enough personal funds to pay for their defense.
Judge Alvin Hellerstein refused a defense request to dismiss the case and pressed the administration for a clear legal basis for prohibiting Venezuela from paying. He said, ‘I’m not going to dismiss the case,’ and emphasized that the changed situation in Venezuela makes the right to a defense a paramount constitutional concern. He did not issue a final ruling that day and provided no timeline for a decision.
Maduro is charged in the US with counts including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and related conspiracy charges. He has pleaded not guilty and described himself as a ‘prisoner of war.’
Former President Trump has indicated that additional cases may be brought against Maduro, but offered no further details. The court is expected to address the fee dispute and other pretrial matters at a later date.