Maduro and Wife Appear in New York Court for Second Hearing

Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, made their second appearance before a federal court in New York. During the hour-long hearing, Judge Alvin Hellerstein indicated he would not dismiss the case despite arguments from Maduro's defense about an inability to pay legal fees.

Dressed in a grey prison uniform, glasses, and a translation headset, the ex-president took notes throughout the proceedings and occasionally spoke with his lawyer through an interpreter. Maduro smiled upon entering the courtroom but did not address the judge directly.

The session focused heavily on disputes over who would cover the substantial legal costs for Maduro and Flores. Their defense argued that U.S. Sanctions prevent the Venezuelan government from paying, while the couple claims they lack sufficient personal funds to cover the expenses themselves.

"I am not going to dismiss the case," Judge Hellerstein stated, rejecting a request from Maduro's attorney, though he did not issue a formal ruling on the matter. The judge also did not immediately set a date for the next court hearing.

Ahead of the proceedings, former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that "other cases" would be brought against Maduro, though he provided no specific details.

Outside the Manhattan courthouse, a mix of supporters and opponents gathered. Demonstrators included several people with a large inflatable doll depicting Maduro in an orange prison jumpsuit and handcuffs. A scuffle briefly broke out between protesters before police intervened and removed one individual.

Concurrent rallies took place in Caracas, Venezuela's capital, involving hundreds of people. Among them was Maduro's son, Nicolás Maduro Guerra. "We trust the legal system of the United States," he told reporters, but added that what he called the "kidnapping" of his father undermined the legitimacy of the case.

The 63-year-old Maduro has been held for nearly three months at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center, a federal facility known for poor conditions. Reports indicate he is held in solitary confinement without access to the internet or newspapers.

Maduro has declared himself a "prisoner of war" and has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.