Maduro lawyer claims U.S. blocking funds to pay for his defense

Maduro attorney Barry Pollack this week said that the United States was blocking access to funds that former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro needs to pay for his legal defense.

Maduro is facing drug trafficking charges after American forces extracted him from his home country in early January. 

“Counsel explained that the government of Venezuela has an obligation to pay Mr. Maduro’s fees, Mr. Maduro has a legitimate expectation that the government of Venezuela would do so, and Mr. Maduro cannot otherwise afford counsel," Pollack said, according to The Hill.

"Accordingly, by its failure to allow the government of Venezuela to pay Mr. Maduro’s defense costs, OFAC [Office of Foreign Assets Control] is interfering with Mr. Maduro’s ability to retain counsel and, therefore, his right under the Sixth Amendment to counsel of his choice,” he added, before stating that he would pursue a motion with the court if OFAC did not change course.

“If OFAC fails to act on the request to reinstate the original license, or denies that request, Mr. Maduro will file a formal motion in the coming days seeking relief from the Court," he said.

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has since assumed acting authority and pivoted towards cooperation with Washington. 

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.