A U.S. federal judge raised concerns on Thursday about whether sanctions preventing Venezuela from funding the legal defense of Nicolás Maduro could violate his constitutional rights, though he did not dismiss the drug-trafficking charges against the former leader.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, appeared in a Manhattan courtroom wearing prison uniforms following their capture and transfer to New York City earlier this year.
The couple have pleaded not guilty to charges including narcoterrorism conspiracy and remain in custody in Brooklyn awaiting trial. Their legal team argues that U.S. sanctions blocking Venezuelan state funds prevent them from hiring counsel of their choice, infringing upon their Sixth Amendment rights. Prosecutors, however, contend the sanctions serve legitimate national security interests.
U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein expressed skepticism toward the government’s position, noting that Maduro no longer poses a national security threat and emphasising the importance of the right to legal representation.
The case follows a dramatic U.S. special forces raid in Caracas that resulted in Maduro’s arrest. Adding to the tension, Donald Trump indicated that further charges may be forthcoming. The prosecution relies in part on a rarely tested narcoterrorism statute, which has seen limited success in past trials.
Maduro has dismissed the charges as politically motivated, claiming they mask U.S. ambitions over Venezuela’s oil resources. Meanwhile, shifting leadership in Caracas has led to a slight thaw in U.S.-Venezuela relations.
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Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 26 May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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The visit by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Armenia marks one of the clearest signs yet of Washington’s growing interest in the South Caucasus.
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Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz has taken steps towards potentially declaring a state of emergency as anti-government protests intensify in the early months of his administration.
Norway is set to come under France’s nuclear umbrella, marking a significant shift in European security arrangements as concerns grow over the United States’ long-term commitment to the region.
Britain has announced fresh sanctions targeting cryptocurrency exchanges, financial networks and banks accused of helping Russia evade Western restrictions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine.
Muslims around the world have marked Eid al-Adha with prayers, celebrations and acts of charity, though for many Palestinians the holiday unfolded amid conflict, restrictions and loss.
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