US Blocks Venezuela Paying Maduro’s Defense Lawyers
The Trump administration has blocked Venezuela’s government from paying legal fees for its leader, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife, Cilia Flores, who are facing drug trafficking charges in New York. Maduro’s attorney claims this move infringes upon Maduro’s constitutional right to counsel. While initial authorization for the payments was granted by the Treasury Department, it was rescinded shortly thereafter without explanation. This dispute is intertwined with U.S. foreign policy toward Venezuela, as allowing the current Venezuelan government to fund Maduro’s defense could complicate prosecution efforts.
John Q. Hosedrinker