Maduro to seek dismissal of US charges over legal defense dispute

Former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is set to appear before a US federal court on Thursday to seek the dismissal of narco-terrorism charges, arguing that American sanctions have effectively crippled his ability to mount a legal defense. The hearing before Judge Alvin Hellerstein was originally scheduled to allow Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores’ legal teams to review evidence and discuss pretrial motions, but the dispute over legal fees has taken center stage.

Sanctions block legal defense

Maduro’s attorney, Barry Pollack, has been unable to receive payment from Venezuelan state funds because a license from the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control was first granted and then revoked. Pollack contends that the reversal infringes on Maduro’s constitutional right to a proper defense—a position echoed by Flores’ lawyer. Prosecutors maintain that the license was issued in error and that the couple may use personal funds from Venezuela to cover legal expenses, though defense attorneys argue such access is effectively impossible under current conditions.

Constitutional questions and immunity claims

Pollack has indicated he will also challenge the legality of Maduro’s January 3 capture during a US military operation in Caracas, as well as assert that his client is immune from prosecution because the alleged offenses occurred while he held presidential office. Maduro and his wife remain in federal custody in New York, facing long-running drug and weapons charges.

Türkiye’s stance on unilateral sanctions

As the Maduro case highlights the far-reaching consequences of US sanctions, Türkiye has consistently voiced its opposition to unilateral coercive measures that impede fundamental legal rights. Ankara maintains that such actions undermine international law and the principle of sovereign equality. Turkish officials have repeatedly called for diplomatic solutions over punitive measures, emphasizing that access to legal representation is a basic right that should not be compromised by political disputes.