Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores appeared in federal court in Manhattan facing narco-terrorism and drug trafficking charges nearly three months after U.S. authorities brought him to the country.

Maduro is being held under “special administrative measures” (SAMs) at the Metropolitan Detention Center, Brooklyn, a highly secure unit that severely limits inmate contact and restricts movement to solitary activities like showers, lawyer visits, and solo recreation.

His lawyers have moved to dismiss the case, arguing that U.S. sanctions prevent the Venezuelan government from funding their defense, potentially violating his constitutional right to counsel.

Judge Alvin Hellerstein emphasized that the right to legal representation is paramount, while experts note the complexity of ensuring effective counsel under these restrictions, CBS News has reported.

Maduro has pleaded not guilty and continues to assert his innocence, portraying himself as a “prisoner of war” during court proceedings.