Venezuelan Government Granted Permission to Cover Legal Expenses for President Maduro and Wife in US Court Case
US authorities have granted permission for the Venezuelan government to cover legal expenses for President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. This decision was communicated in a letter to Judge Alvin Hellerstein from the federal court for the Southern District of New York. As a result, the defense team withdrew their motions to dismiss the case against Maduro, citing financial constraints. The next hearing in the case is expected to take place within two months.
Previously, Maduro had sought to halt the legal proceedings in the US, alleging procedural irregularities. He had expressed readiness for the Venezuelan government to fund his defense, but encountered obstacles from Washington. Despite this, Judge Hellerstein declined to dismiss the case in late March, promising a decision on allowing Venezuela to finance legal services for Maduro and his wife.
The legal saga began on January 3 when the US conducted a raid in Venezuela, apprehending Maduro and Flores on charges related to drug trafficking. Subsequently, they appeared in a federal court in New York on January 5 and entered pleas of not guilty. In the absence of Maduro, acting President Delcy Rodriguez has assumed the responsibilities of the head of state in Venezuela.