Maduro's Trial Begins in the USA
He could face 20 years in prison.
Nicolas Maduro and his wife were apprehended in Caracas on January 3rd and transported to New York a day later. Photo: XNY/Star Max / GC Images
Former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro appeared in court in New York, writes Reuters.
According to the indictment, officials in Maduro's government helped move cocaine through Venezuela in cooperation with the Colombian group FARC, which the US considers a terrorist organization. In addition, the president is accused of participating in a conspiracy to import cocaine.
Maduro himself and his associates deny the accusations, calling them part of an imperialist conspiracy.
Under the drug-terrorism law, the minimum sentence of 20 years in prison is twice as long as for ordinary drug trafficking.