Maduro Alleges US Government Interference in Federal Court Case, Seeks Dismissal

New York. Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has once again appeared before a US federal court, alleging that the US government has interfered in his case. Claiming this interference has weakened his legal defense, he has demanded the case be dismissed.

Maduro also claimed he has not been given a proper opportunity to face the charges of narco-terrorism leveled against him. His lawyers stated that US government sanctions policies are causing difficulties in paying legal fees.

The hearing for this case is taking place before Federal Judge Alvin Hellerstein. Initially, the judge granted Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores' legal team time to study evidence and determine the next legal steps. However, the situation took a new turn when Maduro's lead attorney, Barry Pollack, stated that he would have to withdraw from the case if the US government prevents the Venezuelan government from paying legal fees.

The Maduro couple was reportedly arrested by a US military and law enforcement team from the presidential palace in Caracas in early January and brought to New York, where a serious criminal case is ongoing against them. The decision by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) under the US Treasury Department has become the center of the dispute.

According to Maduro's side, that agency initially permitted the Venezuelan government to pay the lawyers' fees but later rescinded that permission. They argue this violates Maduro's constitutional right to a proper legal defense.

The prosecution, on the other hand, claimed that the permission was an "administrative error" and clarified that legal fees cannot be paid from any sanctioned government sources under the sanctions. They stated that Maduro is permitted to cover expenses from his own personal assets.

If the court does not dismiss the case, Maduro's side has also demanded further hearings on the government's decision-making process. The charges against Maduro include drug trafficking, narco-terrorism, and weapons-related crimes, for which he could face a life sentence if convicted. Maduro faces charges.