US prosecutors argue Maduro ‘plundered’ Venezuelan wealth in court battle over legal fees

On Thursday, Judge Alvin Hellerstein expressed openness to the claim that former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, should be permitted to use state funds to cover their legal defense. Their attorneys requested dismissal of the narco-terrorism charges, citing the U.S. government’s refusal to allow access to Venezuelan currency due to ongoing sanctions. Prosecutors countered by asserting that Maduro had siphoned the country’s resources and should not benefit from using its money to pay for lawyers.

The 92-year-old judge emphasized that the right to defense is fundamental, but he indicated the case would not be dismissed over this dispute. He planned to issue a decision at a future date, highlighting the need for clarity in the legal proceedings. The Maduros were apprehended in a sudden raid on January 3, transported to New York to face accusations of weapon and drug-related offenses they deny. During Thursday’s session, they wore green khaki prison uniforms, seated calmly with several legal representatives, listening to translated arguments through headphones.

“We are doing business with Venezuela,” said Judge Hellerstein, noting the country’s recent diplomatic overtures under the leadership of former Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez. He questioned the logic of withholding funds, pointing out that the government had pledged to cover costs.

Maduro’s legal team argued that the unusual case, unfolding in a foreign jurisdiction, would be too complex for a public defender to manage effectively. They insisted the former leader had not exhausted personal finances. Prosecutors, however, maintained that the couple had misused state assets during Maduro’s administration, citing long-standing sanctions as justification for denying access to government funds.

Residents of Caracas, including Ana Patricia, a 72-year-old retired lawyer, expressed cautious optimism about the legal process. She noted that while government media faced restrictions, international outlets continued to report on developments. “He is a man who had everything but lost it through greed and an inflated ego,” she said, acknowledging sympathy for Maduro but hoping for a severe sentence.

A 67-year-old retired nurse, Agustina Parra, from western Caracas, voiced belief in Maduro’s eventual release. “Despite his flaws, he has not been proven guilty,” she stated, confident the former president would receive a fair trial. The U.S. government, meanwhile, remains open to pursuing additional charges against Maduro, as highlighted by President Donald Trump during a cabinet meeting on Thursday.