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.

• U.S. and Venezuela agree to restore diplomatic relations
• Venezuela attorney general Saab and ombudsman resign
• Top U.S. commander visits Venezuela for security talks

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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