US Edition
US Judge rejects request to dismiss drug trafficking charges against Nicolás Maduro and his wife
Judge Alvin Hellerstein refused to dismiss narcotics charges against Maduro and Flores while questioning US sanctions blocking Venezuelan government funds for their defense.
- On Thursday, Senior Judge Alvin Hellerstein declined to dismiss the narcoterrorism indictment against ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, stating "I'm not going to dismiss the case" while other remedies remain available.
- Defense lawyer Barry Pollack revealed the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control approved Venezuela paying legal fees on Jan. 9 but rescinded that approval less than three hours later without explanation, as the Trump administration barred Venezuelan government funds.
- Hellerstein questioned why the prosecution's argument still holds, noting that since Maduro's January capture, the U.S. has reestablished diplomatic relations with Venezuela, eased oil sanctions, and dispatched a chargé d'affaires to Caracas. "The current paramount goal and need and constitutional right is the right to defense," he said.
- Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Wirshba argued allowing Venezuelan government funds would "undermine the sanctions," while Hellerstein expressed skepticism of the public defender alternative, noting defending Maduro would come at "great expense" and drain resources for those without legal recourse.
- The judge signaled he could revisit dismissing the case if the Trump administration arbitrarily prevents Maduro from paying for counsel, though no trial date has been set and Hellerstein has not yet specified when he will decide the fee dispute.
48 Articles
48 Articles
By Alfredo Meza, CNN en Español “What is the alternative then?” Judge Alvin Hellerstein’s recurring question from his bench, between frequent sips of water, to both Assistant District Attorney Kyle Adam Wirshba and Nicolás Maduro’s lawyer, Barry Pollack, indicates how much the United States justice system values the possibility that an accused person, even the worst of criminals, has the right not only to choose their lawyer, but also to all the…
Judge in Maduro trial refuses to dismiss charges
Nicolás Maduro, president of Venezuela until he was captured in a U.S. raid, appeared in a New York court with his wife on Thursday. Their lawyers have argued the case should be dismissed as sanctions on Venezuela prevent the Maduros from paying legal fees.
On Thursday, a U.S. judge pressured Donald Trump's government on its basis to prevent the Venezuelan government from paying the legal fees of former President Nicolás Maduro in the drug trafficking trial that follows him in New York.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
