Ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro is set to appear before a federal judge in New York for the second time since his dramatic capture by United States forces earlier this year.

Maduro, who ruled Venezuela from 2013 until his removal in January 2026, is facing multiple charges, including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation, and weapons-related offences. He has pleaded not guilty to all counts.

The court hearing is expected to focus on legal arguments from his defence team seeking dismissal of the case, particularly over disputes surrounding the funding of his legal representation. His lawyer has argued that U.S. sanctions blocking Venezuela from paying his legal fees violate his constitutional rights.

Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been held in a federal detention facility in Brooklyn since their capture during a controversial U.S. military operation in Caracas in early January.

The case, being presided over by Judge Alvin Hellerstein, is expected to test the application of U.S. narco-terrorism laws, which have rarely been used and are considered complex to prosecute.

Maduro has described himself as a “prisoner of war” and continues to challenge the legality of both his arrest and prosecution in the United States.

The high-profile trial has drawn global attention, with analysts noting that its outcome could have far-reaching implications for international law, diplomacy, and future cases involving alleged state-linked drug trafficking.