- Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores are appearing in a New York federal courtroom, over two months after their capture and initial declaration of innocence.
- The couple pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from allegations that Maduro and top officials orchestrated a large-scale cocaine trafficking operation.
- During their previous hearing, Maduro, captured in a US military operation in Caracas, proclaimed himself a 'prisoner of war' and denied all accusations.
- Thursday's hearing is expected to address next steps in the case, including how the couple can fund their legal defence given sanctions, and a government motion for a protective order on evidence.
- Maduro's legal team has filed a motion to dismiss the case, arguing that his 'abduction' by US forces and subsequent restrictions on legal counsel violate his due process rights.
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