Ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro is set to appear in a New York federal court on Thursday, marking his second appearance since being taken into US custody following a controversial military operation in January.
Maduro, 63, and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since early January, when US special forces captured them in a striking operation in Caracas and transported them to the United States to face charges.
The dramatic operation led to the abrupt removal of the long‑time Venezuelan president, who had ruled the oil‑rich country since 2013, and set off intense legal and diplomatic debates.
Maduro has rejected the charges and described himself as a “prisoner of war.” He and Flores have pleaded not guilty to a superseding federal indictment that accuses them of narco‑terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, illegal arms possession and related offenses.
Thursday’s hearing, scheduled for 11 a.m. (1500 GMT), is expected to focus on procedural issues, including a bid by Maduro’s defense to dismiss the case on the grounds that US sanctions have impeded Venezuela’s ability to cover his legal fees. His lawyer, Barry Pollack, argues that requiring a US Treasury license to use Venezuelan government funds for legal costs violates Maduro’s constitutional right to counsel.
Conditions in detention
Maduro is being held in federal custody amid strict restrictions. Sources familiar with his detention say he is confined alone and has limited communication with the outside world, permitted brief phone calls with family and attorneys.
His son, Nicolás Maduro Guerra, said his father was “strong” and encouraged his family not to be discouraged.
Background and political context
The US government accuses Maduro of leading a corrupt regime deeply involved in international drug trafficking. In response, Washington secured a superseding indictment in the Southern District of New York and has argued that Maduro should face justice on US soil.
Meanwhile, Venezuela’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, has assumed executive duties and is navigating both domestic challenges and a partial easing of US sanctions. Diplomatic ties with Washington have shown signs of thawing, with restored contacts and some economic relief measures announced.
Security is expected to be heightened around the Manhattan courthouse for Thursday’s hearing, which will be presided over by Judge Alvin Hellerstein.
AFP
