US prosecutors argue Maduro ‘plundered’ Venezuelan wealth in court battle over legal fees
US prosecutors claim Maduro ‘plundered’ Venezuelan wealth in legal dispute
On Thursday, a judge expressed openness to the request of ex-Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores to use Venezuelan government funds for their legal defense. The couple’s attorneys sought to dismiss the narco-terrorism case against them, citing U.S. sanctions on Venezuela as a barrier to accessing the money. Prosecutors countered, asserting that Maduro had “plundered” the nation’s wealth and should not be permitted to use its resources for legal costs.
Judge Alvin Hellerstein emphasized that “the right to defense is paramount” but decided not to dismiss the case over the funding dispute. He indicated a later ruling would address the matter, including the next court date. The legal battle has unfolded since U.S. forces raided Maduro and Flores’s residence in Caracas on January 3, detaining them and transporting them to New York to face charges of weapon and drug offenses, which they deny.
Legal tensions and procedural hurdles
Maduro and his wife appeared in court wearing green khaki prison jumpsuits, seated quietly with several lawyers between them. They listened to arguments via headphones, a stark contrast to their initial appearance, where Maduro delivered a lengthy speech declaring his innocence and claiming he had been kidnapped. That hearing ended with a courtroom visitor shouting at him.
Due to U.S. sanctions, the Maduros required a licence to use Venezuelan government funds for legal fees. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) initially approved it, then reversed the decision. Prosecutors argued that the couple’s access to public funds posed national security risks and claimed they had personal resources to cover attorney costs, which Maduro’s team disputes. Under U.S. law, a court-appointed lawyer would be available if he couldn’t afford one, but prosecutors contended that the case’s complexity would overwhelm a public defender.
“We are doing business with Venezuela.”
Judge Hellerstein questioned this reasoning, noting the shift in foreign policy since Maduro’s capture. Former Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez now leads the government, and Venezuela has resumed diplomatic ties with the U.S. The judge also highlighted that the government was “willing to pay” but remained uncertain about how to resolve the dispute. He repeatedly asked both sides, “What is the relief?” as the case’s outcome hinged on this issue.
The charges against Maduro include conspiring to import cocaine, possessing machine guns and destructive devices, and aiding in their possession. He and his wife have not yet applied for bail and are held at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center. A trial date has not been set. During a Washington cabinet meeting, President Donald Trump stated the U.S. was considering additional cases against Maduro but assured that he would “receive a fair trial.”
Public reactions from Venezuela
In Caracas, residents closely follow the legal developments. Ana Patricia, a 72-year-old retired lawyer, said government censorship limits domestic coverage, but international media remains unaffected. “They can control what Venezuelan media publish, but not what is shared globally,” she said. She expressed sympathy for Maduro, noting, “He had everything but lost it through greed and an inflated ego. I feel sorry for him, but I hope he serves a life sentence for his crimes.”
Agustina Parra, a 67-year-old retired nurse in western Caracas, voiced confidence that “my President Maduro will be released.” Despite acknowledging his flaws, she believes he deserves a chance to clear his name. “He’s a man who made mistakes, but he’s still the leader we know,” she added.