By Our Correspondent
National News – Ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro is scheduled to appear before a federal judge in New York City on Thursday, marking his second court appearance since his dramatic capture by American forces earlier this year.
The 63-year-old former president, who ruled Venezuela from 2013 until his removal, faces serious criminal charges in the United States related to narcotics trafficking and weapons offences.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were seized during a controversial overnight operation carried out by US commandos in Caracas on January 3.
The military raid involved airstrikes and naval support and reportedly left at least 83 people dead and more than 100 injured, according to Venezuelan authorities.
No American service members were reported killed during the operation.
Following the arrest, Maduro was transferred to the Metropolitan Detention Center, Brooklyn, where he has remained in custody for nearly three months.
Officials say he is held in a single cell with limited communication privileges, allowed brief phone calls with his lawyers and family members.
Sources close to the Venezuelan government claim the former leader spends much of his time reading religious texts and maintaining contact with supporters.
Prosecutors in the United States have charged Maduro with multiple offences including narco-terrorism conspiracy, conspiracy to import cocaine, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess such weapons.
During his initial court appearance in January, he rejected the accusations and described himself as a “prisoner of war,” while continuing to insist he remains Venezuela’s legitimate president.
At Thursday’s hearing, his legal team is expected to argue for the dismissal of the case, citing complications related to US sanctions that prevent the Venezuelan government from paying his legal fees.
His lawyer, Barry Pollack, says the requirement for a special US licence to receive payment violates Maduro’s constitutional right to legal representation.
Meanwhile, Delcy Rodríguez is currently overseeing Venezuela’s government after Maduro’s removal.
She has introduced reforms and released political prisoners as her administration attempts to stabilise the nation and rebuild diplomatic ties with Washington.
Security is expected to be tight around the New York courthouse where US District Judge Alvin Hellerstein will preside over the proceedings.
