Maduro-Flores Hearing: US-Venezuela Tensions Rise

0:00It's March 26th. This is Sydney News today, AI-powered stories from your city. I'm Cory with the story. Former Venezuelan leader, Nicolas Maduro and his wife Celia, Flores, showed up in a Manhattan courtroom for the first time since January. At issue was their request to tap Venezuelan government funds for their defense costs, which prosecutors strongly oppose due to U.S. sanctions. And Donald Trump stated this week that additional charges are likely coming for the couple. Captured during a U.S. raid in Venezuela back in January, they faced narco terrorism, drug trafficking, and related violence accusations that could mean. Live in prison if they're convicted. Outside the courthouse, crowds of protesters and supporters may noise with chance, drums and signs calling for Maduro's freedom or his imprisonment. Meanwhile, in Caracas, hundreds rallied in support, viewing the raid as a sovereignty violation and preying for their release. Both have pleaded not guilty and stayed jailed in Brooklyn without bail requests.

1:03Defense lawyers argue blocking government money hurts their rights, while prosecutors say it upholds national security goals and no trial date is set. Yet, this hearing underscores ongoing U.S. Venezuelan attentions with Maduro support lingering in spots, but his role diminishing under acting president Delcy Rodriguez.