27.03.2026 16:52
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, who were detained and taken to New York due to a U.S. military operation against Venezuela, appeared before a judge for the second time in a case that has turned into an international crisis. The hearing held in the federal court in Manhattan was marked by both legal debates and political tension. The discussion on how to cover legal expenses dominated the proceedings.
The trial process of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, who were brought to New York by the U.S. military operation after being detained in Venezuela, is ongoing. The couple appeared before a judge for the second time in federal court in Manhattan.
SANCTIONS CRISIS BROUGHT TO COURT
During the hearing of Maduro and Flores, who are detained on charges of drug trafficking and possession of weapons, there was a discussion between the defense and the prosecution about how legal expenses would be covered.
The defense attorneys argued that the inability to use Venezuelan state funds due to U.S. sanctions constitutes a violation of constitutional rights.
The prosecution opposed the use of these funds, citing the sanctions as justification.
JUDGE'S STRIKING ASSESSMENT
Judge Alvin Hellerstein, who is overseeing the case, indicated that diplomatic contacts between the two countries have resumed and expressed that the funds sent for the defense should be released.
However, the court postponed the hearing without making a definitive decision on this matter. It was reported that the date for the next hearing would be announced later.
COURT FRONT BECAME CHAOTIC
During the hearing, tensions occasionally flared between supporters and opponents of Maduro who gathered in front of the courthouse. Security measures were increased.
HE HAD DENIED THE CHARGES IN THE FIRST HEARING
Maduro, who was captured during an operation conducted by U.S. forces on January 3 and placed in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, had denied all charges during the first hearing on January 5.
In his defense, Maduro claimed that he is the legitimate president of Venezuela and that the trial is political.