Former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro appears in New York court

Former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, appeared in a New York federal court on Thursday for a one-hour hearing. Both are facing charges related to drug trafficking following their arrest by U.S. forces in Caracas in early January. During the proceedings, Judge Alvin Hellerstein rejected a motion from the defense to dismiss the case, which was based on procedural issues regarding the payment of legal fees. Defense attorney Barry Pollack had previously signaled a potential withdrawal from the case, citing that the U.S. Treasury Department revoked authorization for the Venezuelan government to fund their legal defense. Maduro, who appeared in prison garb, remained silent during the hearing but consulted with his legal team through an interpreter. Outside the courthouse, small groups of pro-government and opposition protesters gathered, with minor scuffles reported between the two sides. Meanwhile, supporters of Maduro also held a rally in Caracas.