NEW YORK – Federal officials are preventing Venezuela’s government from covering the legal costs for Nicolas Maduro as the ousted leader battles drug trafficking charges in a New York courtroom, according to his defense attorney.
Both Maduro and his spouse Cilia Flores entered not guilty pleas on January 5 to narcotics charges that could result in lengthy federal prison sentences. The pair remains in custody in New York while awaiting their trial proceedings.
Defense attorney Barry Pollack informed U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein in court documents that Treasury officials initially approved an exemption to Venezuela sanctions on January 9, permitting the country to cover Maduro’s attorney fees. However, authorities withdrew that approval just hours afterward without providing any justification.
According to Pollack, “Venezuelan law and custom” requires the government to cover presidential and first lady expenses.
“The government of Venezuela has an obligation to pay Mr. Maduro’s fees, Mr. Maduro has a legitimate expectation that the government of Venezuela would do so, and Mr. Maduro cannot otherwise afford counsel,” Pollack stated in his February 20 letter that became public Wednesday.
Representatives from the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s office handling the prosecution refused to provide comment. Treasury Department officials have not yet responded to inquiries about the matter.
American special operations forces apprehended Maduro and Flores during a nighttime operation in Caracas on January 3, culminating months of pressure from President Donald Trump’s administration demanding the socialist leader resign. Federal prosecutors allege Maduro misused his authority to assist drug trafficking operations throughout his 13-year rule.
Following Maduro’s arrest, former Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has assumed control of Venezuela’s government. During his January 5 court hearing, Maduro maintained his claim as the nation’s rightful president.
Pollack indicated that Flores may still be eligible to receive government funding for her legal representation. Her attorney Mark Donnelly has not yet commented on the situation.
Pollack gained prominence representing WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who admitted guilt to charges of conspiring to obtain and reveal classified military information.
