NEW YORK, Feb 18, (V7N) - Nicolas Maduro, the deposed former president of Venezuela, has had his next court appearance in the United States postponed from March 17 to March 26, according to court filings on Tuesday.

The delay was attributed to “scheduling and logistical issues,” though specific details were not provided. The new date was agreed upon by both the prosecution and defense, and the judge overseeing the case also approved the change.

Maduro, who was captured during a U.S. military operation in Venezuela on January 3, appeared in court for the first time on January 5. At that time, he pleaded not guilty to charges related to drug trafficking and insisted he was a "prisoner of war." His wife, Cilia Flores, who was also arrested, accompanied him in court and pleaded not guilty to the charges as well.

Both Maduro, 63, and his 69-year-old wife are expected to return to court for the rescheduled date on March 26. Maduro ruled Venezuela with an authoritarian grip from March 2013 until January 2026. Following his removal, Delcy Rodrigues, his former vice president, took the reins of the country and has since been working closely with Washington.

END/WD/RH