Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has appeared before a court in New York, marking a significant development in a long-running US legal case against him. The hearing relates to charges first announced by US authorities in 2020, accusing Maduro of conspiring with armed groups to traffic cocaine into the United States.
According to US prosecutors, Maduro is alleged to have worked with Colombia’s now-defunct FARC guerrilla group to “flood” the US with drugs, using cocaine as a weapon against American society. The charges include narcotics trafficking, conspiracy, and weapons offences. Maduro has consistently denied all allegations, describing them as politically motivated.
The court appearance follows renewed diplomatic manoeuvring involving Venezuela, the United States and regional partners. While the US does not recognise Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate president, it has maintained criminal proceedings against him as an individual. The Venezuelan government has condemned the case, calling it a violation of international law and national sovereignty.
The hearing comes at a time of heightened international attention on Venezuela, including renewed discussions about sanctions, oil production and regional stability. Analysts say the case is unlikely to lead to a swift resolution, but it reinforces Washington’s continued legal and political pressure on Caracas.
The court proceedings are expected to continue, with further hearings scheduled as the legal process unfolds.
