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Maduro Appears in Court Amid Drug Charges and Sanctions

3/24/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Nicolas Maduro, ousted as Venezuela's president, will appear in New York court on March 26 as his lawyers seek to dismiss drug trafficking charges, arguing U.S. sanctions prevent payment of his legal fees.
Maduro, detained in Brooklyn, calls himself a "prisoner of war" and pleads not guilty.
Pollack says sanctions violate Maduro's right to legal representation.
U.S. State Department restores diplomatic ties with Venezuela, led by Delcy Rodriguez.

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Story summary

Nicolas Maduro, ousted as Venezuela's president, will appear in New York court on March 26 as his lawyers seek to dismiss drug trafficking charges, arguing U.S. sanctions prevent payment of his legal fees.
Maduro, detained in Brooklyn, calls himself a "prisoner of war" and pleads not guilty.
Pollack says sanctions violate Maduro's right to legal representation.
U.S. State Department restores diplomatic ties with Venezuela, led by Delcy Rodriguez.