Rival groups of protesters gathered outside a New York courthouse on Thursday as ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro made his court appearance on charges of drug trafficking and narco-terrorism.
The hearing, described as the second since his dramatic capture by US forces in a nighttime raid, took place before US District Judge Alvin Hellerstein.
Maduro’s legal team is expected to push for the dismissal of the case, while arguments also centred on who will cover the former leader’s legal fees.
Security was heightened around the Manhattan courthouse as supporters and opponents of Maduro clashed in protests.
Pro-Maduro demonstrators expressed outrage over what they called an “illegal” capture and extradition, while opposition voices demanded justice for years of alleged corruption, human rights abuses, and ties to drug cartels.
Maduro, who was removed from power in Venezuela following political upheaval, faces serious accusations in the United States related to narco-terrorism and involvement in the cocaine trade through the so-called Cartel of the Suns.
The case has drawn international attention, with heightened tensions both in Venezuela and among the Venezuelan diaspora in the United States.
Thursday’s proceedings are seen as a critical stage in what is likely to be a lengthy and politically charged trial.
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