Nicolás Maduro appears in Manhattan federal court on drug trafficking charges

Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro arrived at a Manhattan courthouse Monday to face U.S. federal charges, days after being taken into custody in Caracas and transferred to New York.

Nicolás Maduro appears in Manhattan federal court on drug trafficking charges

Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro arrived Monday at a federal courthouse in Manhattan, accompanied by his wife Cilia Flores, to appear before a judge for the first time in his U.S. criminal case. The hearing was scheduled to begin at approximately 12:00 p.m. local time (17:00 GMT).

Maduro had been taken into custody the previous Saturday in Caracas and subsequently transported to New York. Upon exiting the vehicle at the courthouse, he appeared to experience considerable difficulty walking. The motorcade carrying the Venezuelan leader and his spouse consisted of five vehicles and was escorted by a substantial police detail. Law enforcement closed off surrounding streets leading to the courthouse ahead of the arrival.

The U.S. federal charges against Maduro relate to alleged drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracy. His appearance marks a significant procedural step in the prosecution being pursued by American authorities.

_Fuente: El Nuevo Herald_

Source: Google News VE — Caracas