Maduro Appears in Court Without Speaking, Loses 26 Pounds; Trump Hints at More Charges

On March 27, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro appeared in court on March 26 at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. During the hearing, both Maduro and his wife remained silent, sitting in the defendant’s seat to listen, take notes, and communicate with their lawyer. The court arranged for reporters to watch via closed-circuit television, but the camera angles were limited. According to media reports, Maduro has lost about 13 kilograms since early January and is currently detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York. This detention center is described as ‘notorious’ and akin to a ‘hell on earth,’ where Maduro and his wife cannot meet or communicate directly. For years, lawyers have claimed that detainees are fed ‘expired, undercooked, and contaminated food,’ including ‘spoiled meats and dairy products.’ The focus of the hearing was on the issue of attorney fees. The defense pointed out that the U.S. Treasury had briefly allowed the Venezuelan government to pay legal fees but later modified the permit, claiming it violated the Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and procedural justice, requesting the case to be dismissed or allowing the lawyers to withdraw. The prosecution responded that it involved national security and foreign policy, prohibiting the government from paying fees and not providing alternative relief options. The 92-year-old presiding judge, Hellerstein, stated that he would not dismiss the case and questioned whether the defendant currently poses a threat to U.S. national security, calling the case ‘unique and unusual.’ If the defense lawyers withdraw, the U.S. government may appoint lawyers to represent Maduro. Outside the court, several citizens showed support for Maduro, calling him the legitimate president and urging for the release of him and his wife, while criticizing the U.S. for wasting taxpayer money and illegal interference. U.S. President Donald Trump hinted that Maduro may face more charges. (Daily Economic News)