Maduro Appears in Court Again, Remains Silent Throughout, Loses 26 Pounds, Trump Suggests He May Face Additional Charges

BlockBeats News, March 27th: Venezuelan President Maduro appeared in the Southern District Federal Court in New York City on the 26th. During the hearing, Maduro and his wife remained silent, sitting at the defendant's table only to listen, take notes, and communicate with lawyers. The courtroom allowed reporters to watch via closed-circuit television with limited camera angles. According to media reports, Maduro has lost about 13 kilograms since early January and is currently detained at the notorious Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York. The detention center is described as a "hell on earth," where Maduro and his wife cannot meet or communicate directly. Over the years, lawyers have claimed that those detained here are fed "expired, uncooked, contaminated food," including "spoiled meat and dairy products."

The focus of the hearing was on the issue of attorney fees. The defense pointed out that the U.S. Treasury Department had briefly allowed the Venezuelan government to pay for legal fees but later revised the permit, citing violations of the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and due process, requesting either the case be dismissed or allowing the lawyers to withdraw. The prosecution responded, citing national security and foreign policy considerations, stating that government payment was not allowed and not providing any other remedies. The presiding 92-year-old judge Herzstan stated that the case would not be dismissed, questioning whether the defendant currently posed a threat to U.S. national security, calling the case "unique and unusual." If the defense lawyers withdraw, the U.S. government may appoint counsel.

Outside the court, many people voiced support for Maduro, considering him the legitimate president, calling for the release of the Maduro couple, and criticizing the U.S. for wasting taxpayer money and illegal interference. U.S. President Trump hinted that Maduro may face additional charges. (Daily Economic News)