Maduro appeared in court again without speaking, losing 26 pounds, while Trump hinted that he may face more charges.

BlockBeats news, on March 27, Venezuelan President Maduro appeared in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on the 26th. During the hearing, Maduro and his wife did not speak, only 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, with limited camera angles. According to media reports, Maduro has lost about 13 kilograms since early January and is currently being held at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center in New York. This detention center is “notorious,” described as a “hell on earth,” where Maduro and his wife cannot meet or communicate directly. For years, lawyers have claimed that those held here are fed “expired, undercooked, and contaminated food,” including “spoiled meats and dairy products.”

The focus of the hearing was the issue of payment for legal fees. The defense pointed out that the U.S. Treasury Department had briefly allowed the Venezuelan government to pay legal fees, but then amended the permission, stating it violated the Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and due process, requesting the case to be dismissed or allowing the lawyer to withdraw. The prosecution responded that it involves national security and foreign policy, prohibiting government payment of fees and not providing other relief options. The 92-year-old presiding judge, Hellerstein, stated that he would not dismiss the case, questioning whether the defendant currently poses a threat to U.S. national security, calling the case “unique and unusual.” If the defense attorney withdraws, the U.S. government may appoint a lawyer to represent.

Outside the court, several citizens showed support for Maduro, calling him the legitimate president, urging for the release of Maduro and his wife, and criticizing the U.S. for wasting taxpayer money and illegal interference. U.S. President Trump hinted that Maduro may face more charges. (Daily Economic News)