Maduro set to appear in US court to face narco-terrorism charges

(Reuters)

NEW YORK, Jan 5 – Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is set to appear in Manhattan federal court on Monday to face narco-terrorism charges, days after his capture by the U.S. military sparked deep uncertainty about the oil-rich South American nation’s future.

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They are both set to appear at the hearing scheduled for 12:00 p.m. EST (1700 GMT ) before U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein. It is unclear if either had obtained lawyers, or if they would enter pleas.

The U.S. has deemed Maduro an illegitimate dictator since he declared victory in a 2018 election marred by allegations of massive irregularities. His capture marks Washington’s most controversial intervention in Latin America since the invasion of Panama 37 years ago.

Prosecutors say Maduro is the kingpin of a cartel of Venezuelan political and military officials who have conspired for decades with drug trafficking groups and U.S.-designated terrorist organizations to flood the U.S. with thousands of tons of cocaine.

Maduro was first indicted in 2020 as part of a long-running narcotics trafficking case against current and former Venezuelan officials and Colombian guerrillas.