Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro appeared in federal court in Manhattan on Thursday alongside his wife Cilia Flores, nearly three months after being brought to the United States to face criminal charges.

Maduro and Flores are facing federal charges including narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. The court appearance comes as Maduro seeks to have his drug trafficking indictment dismissed, according to court records.

Protesters gathered outside the Manhattan courthouse during Thursday's proceedings, though the specific nature of their demonstration was not detailed in court records.

Maduro is being held at a federal detention facility in Brooklyn while his legal proceedings unfold. His lawyers are reportedly challenging aspects of the case, including disputes over legal fees and the geopolitical circumstances surrounding the charges.

The former Venezuelan leader's case has drawn significant attention given his previous role as president of the South American nation. The federal charges represent a major legal challenge for Maduro as Venezuela continues to operate under new leadership in his absence.

Further court proceedings are expected as Maduro's legal team continues to contest the charges against him and his wife.