Nicolás Maduro re-entered the courtroom in New York - and directly attacked the whole process. The former president denies all charges and questions how he was brought to the US. Meanwhile, the conflict is intensifying both inside and outside the court.
Nicolás Maduro has been brought back to a federal court in New York, in a trial that has quickly become one of the most high-profile in recent years. The former Venezuelan president denies all charges and questions how he was brought to the US. Meanwhile, pressure is growing both inside and outside the courtroom, reports Associated Press.
Denied crimes in the courtroom
When Maduro appeared in court, he repeated his line from previous hearings:
- I am not guilty. I am a decent man, the constitutional president of my country.
He and his wife Cilia Flores have both denied charges of drug offenses, weapons offenses and links to what US prosecutors describe as “narco-terrorism”.
Prosecutors allege that Maduro has long facilitated extensive cocaine trafficking to the United States and provided logistical support to criminal networks.
Dispute over the legitimacy of the trial
A key issue during the hearing is how Maduro will be able to finance his defense. US sanctions are currently preventing money from coming from the Venezuelan state, which his lawyers say violates his right to a fair trial.
The defense also takes the line that the entire indictment should be invalidated. They point to the fact that Maduro was brought to the US through a military kidnapping.
Loud protests outside
Outside the court, both supporters and opponents gathered.
Among Maduro's supporters there were slogans like ”Release President Maduro”.
At the same time, signs from critics appeared with the message ”Maduro, rotting in jail”.
Police kept the groups separated as the atmosphere became tense at times.
Long road ahead
The court has not yet set a date for a main hearing. Instead, a lengthy legal process awaits to resolve issues of evidence, arrest and US jurisdiction.
The case is already being described as unusual - and could have implications far beyond the courtroom.
The United States, which has the most criminal president in the world, should certainly not prosecute other countries' heads of state until it is clear how many little girls Trump has abused.
The Peace President has managed to Bomb 7 countries in his first year Record
5 settlements with minors have been found lately (time is running out for the Trumpet soon)