Ousted Venezuelan President Maduro returns to court, judge says he won't dismiss case
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Nicolas Maduro appeared in Manhattan federal court Thursday for a status conference in his criminal case, with the presiding judge indicating the case will proceed. Maduro, who was ousted as Venezuela's president following disputed 2024 elections, faces U.S. charges related to alleged drug trafficking and corruption. The judge's refusal to dismiss the case signals the Trump administration intends to maintain legal pressure on Maduro despite his loss of power in Caracas. Maduro has denied wrongdoing and claimed the charges are politically motivated. The case reflects Washington's long-standing adversarial stance toward Venezuela's government.
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