FILE - In this courtroom sketch, retired three-star Venezuelan army general Cliver Antonio Alcala Cordones, right, appears in federal court, Jan, 18, 2024, in New York. The formidable opponent of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro who twice tried to mount coups against the socialist leader spoke to The Associated Press as a Manhattan federal judge decides whether to punish him with a long prison sentence. It's the first time Alcalá has spoken since surrendering in 2020. (Elizabeth Williams via AP, File) COURTROOM SKETCH; MANDATORY CREDIT; FILE PHOTO
