US prosecutors argue Maduro ‘plundered’ Venezuelan wealth in court battle over legal fees
US prosecutors claim Maduro ‘plundered’ Venezuelan wealth in ongoing legal dispute
In a recent court session, Judge Alvin Hellerstein showed openness to arguments that former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, should be permitted to use government funds from Venezuela to cover their legal costs. Their lawyers petitioned for the dismissal of the narco-terrorism case against them, citing the U.S. sanctions on Venezuela as a barrier to accessing such money. Prosecutors countered, asserting that Maduro had “plundered” the nation’s resources and thus should not benefit from them to defend himself.
Legal battle over funding
Maduro and Flores, dressed in green khaki prison jumpsuits, listened quietly to translated arguments during Thursday’s proceedings. The judge emphasized that “the right to a defense is considered essential,” but did not agree to drop the case over the funding dispute. He stated he would announce a decision at a future hearing, highlighting the next scheduled court date.
“We are doing business with Venezuela,”
the judge remarked, noting that the country has reestablished diplomatic ties with the U.S. since Maduro’s arrest. He questioned the logic of denying government funds, pointing out that the former leader’s capture had altered the foreign policy landscape. The Venezuelan government, he added, “is willing to pay.”
Maduro and his wife were taken into custody in a surprise raid on January 3, transported to New York to face charges including conspiracy to import cocaine, possession of firearms, and involvement in weapons trafficking. They have denied these allegations and have not yet applied for bail, remaining in Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center.
Sanctions and legal access
The case hinges on U.S. sanctions that restrict the use of Venezuelan government funds for legal expenses. Initially, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) approved a license for this, but later rescinded it. Prosecutors argued that the couple could afford private legal representation, while their defense claimed the case was too complex for public defenders to manage effectively.
During a Washington cabinet meeting, President Donald Trump mentioned the U.S. was considering new charges against Maduro. He assured that the former leader would receive “a fair trial.” Meanwhile, residents of Caracas expressed mixed sentiments about the legal proceedings.
Public opinion in Venezuela
Retired lawyer Ana Patricia, 72, told the BBC that even with government-controlled media, people are following the court process closely. “They can control what Venezuelan media publish, but not what is shared internationally,” she said. She admitted sympathy for Maduro, calling him a man who “had everything but lost it through greed and an inflated ego.” Yet, she hoped he would “receive a life sentence” for his actions.
Retired nurse Agustina Parra, 67, voiced support for Maduro, stating, “I have faith that my President Maduro will be released.” While acknowledging his flaws, she believed he deserved a chance to prove his innocence. The outcome of the legal battle remains uncertain as the judge continues to weigh the competing claims.
