A federal judge on Thursday denied a motion to dismiss drug-traicking charges against former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The ruling came during a hearing in a Manhattan federal courtroom, where Maduro, 63, appeared alongside his co-defendant wife, Celia Flores, 69.

Maduro's attorney, Barry Pollack, argued for the case's dismissal, citing alleged interference with his client's constitutional rights to present a defense. U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein rejected the request, stating his decision directly during the proceedings. This marked Maduro's first court appearance since January, when he had previously asserted that he was "kidnapped" by the U.S. military.

A significant portion of the hearing was dedicated to a dispute over who would cover Maduro's legal expenses. Pollack contended that U.S. taxpayers might be required to fund Maduro's defense if the Treasury Department continues to withhold a special sanctions exemption. Such an exemption, he explained, would permit the Venezuelan government to pay for the legal representation.

However, prosecutor Kyle Wirshba opposed the use of Venezuelan government funds for the defense. Wirshba stated that the U.S. government has "national security" and "foreign policy" justifications for blocking Caracas from providing the financial support. He added that the existing sanctions were imposed because the defendants are accused of misappropriating Venezuela's national wealth, and allowing those funds to be used for their defense would "undermine the nature of the sanctions."

Maduro, dressed in a tan jumpsuit and black glasses, and Flores, also in prison attire, were observed taking notes during the court session. The case continues as the parties address the complex financial implications of the sanctions on the legal proceedings.