ISTANBUL
A US federal judge on Thursday urged prosecutors to revisit a sanctions decision preventing Venezuela from funding former President Nicolas Maduro’s legal defense in a drug trafficking case, raising concerns about the impact on his right to a fair trial.
US District Judge Alvin Hellerstein, who is overseeing the case in Manhattan, said the Treasury Department’s refusal to grant a special license could undermine Maduro’s ability to defend himself and suggested the issue be reconsidered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, according to Politico.
OFAC had previously denied the requested license that would allow Venezuela to use state funds to cover the legal fees.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have pleaded not guilty to charges including drug trafficking and weapons-related offenses. Both say they lack the personal funds to cover legal costs, while US sanctions currently block Venezuela from paying on their behalf.
During the hearing, Hellerstein questioned the government’s argument that denying the license was tied to national security and foreign policy concerns, emphasizing that the right to legal defense is fundamental. Prosecutors said allowing access to Venezuelan state funds would undermine sanctions policy.
The judge said he would not dismiss the case over the dispute but indicated the issue of funding remains unresolved. The hearing largely focused on how the defendants’ lawyers would be paid.
Separately, Flores’ lawyer raised concerns about her health, telling the court she requires urgent medical evaluation for a heart condition.
Maduro and Flores appeared in court in prison attire during their second appearance since their January arrest by US forces in Caracas. They remain in federal custody in New York, and no trial date has been set.