In pictures: Maduro transferred in New York ahead of court appearance

Dramatic images show Venezuela's seized president Nicolás Maduro being transferred to a New York court.

In handcuffs and escorted by armed officers, Maduro can be seen with his wife Cilia Flores - the pair are charged with various drugs and weapons offences.

This is an extraordinary moment, especially for Venezuelans who will be watching, writes our South America correspondent.

Maduro and Flores were seized at their Caracas compound on Saturday and flown to the US as part of a dramatic special forces operation.

Allies of the deposed leader, including China and Iran, are calling on the US to release him - Beijing says Washington's actions are "a clear violation of international law".

Meanwhile, Venezuela's new leader Delcy Rodríguez is due to be sworn in before the country's National Assembly.

Maduro has now stepped off the helicopter in Manhattan, alongside a woman who appears to be his wife.

They are being escorted by several Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents.

They are in what look like prison outfits and Maduro seems to be limping slightly.