Maduro in New York Court on Narco-Terrorism Charges

Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have appeared in a New York courtroom. They were brought by helicopter to face criminal charges. The U.S. Department of Justice accuses Maduro of leading a narcoterrorism conspiracy. "Narco-terrorism" means using drug trafficking to fund and advance terrorist goals. Other charges include corruption and drug smuggling. Maduro remains the president of Venezuela. The U.S. and dozens of other nations recognize opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the country's legitimate president. The court appearance is a highly unusual event. It is rare for a sitting head of state to be charged in a U.S. court. Maduro has consistently denied all allegations, calling them a political attack.