Nicolás Maduro back in New York federal court in ‘narco-terrorism’ case
The Guardian • • nation
Key Points:
- Nicolás Maduro, the deposed Venezuelan president, is set to appear in a Manhattan federal court for his “narco-terrorism” case following his capture by US special forces in a January raid on Caracas.
- Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were arrested amid allegations that Maduro led a corrupt government involved in drug trafficking; both pleaded not guilty in their January arraignment.
- Maduro’s political legacy in Venezuela is being rapidly dismantled by acting president Delcy Rodríguez, who has purged key allies and promoted foreign investment, signaling a shift in leadership.
- Maduro’s legal team has challenged US restrictions on funding his defense, citing violations of his constitutional rights after the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (Ofac) initially granted but then revoked a waiver allowing Venezuelan government funds for his legal fees.
- Manhattan prosecutors oppose Maduro’s dismissal efforts, emphasizing that while defendants may use personal funds for legal fees, it is unusual for a sanctioned government to receive such waivers, complicating Maduro’s defense funding.
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