Ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro returned to a New York court to contest charges related to drug trafficking and narco-terrorism, amid ongoing legal struggles and heightened tensions regarding funding for his defense. A U.S. federal judge has refused to dismiss the case against Maduro, who is currently held in strict isolation, prompting his legal team to argue that the U.S. government is obstructing access to necessary funds from Venezuela to cover legal fees. As Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores appeared in court wearing jail uniforms, supporters rallied in Caracas, highlighting the political turmoil surrounding the trial. The judge expressed skepticism regarding the U.S. position on blocking Venezuelan resources for Maduro’s defense, setting the stage for a diplomatic clash. The case is seen as a critical test of U.S. narcoterrorism law, which historically has faced challenges in the courtroom.