Judge Hellerstein Weighs Letting Venezuela Pay Maduro’s Legal Fees Despite U.S. Sanctions in New York Narco‑Trafficking Case
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At a March 26 hearing in the Southern District of New York, Judge Alvin Hellerstein heard arguments over whether Venezuela can pay legal fees for Nicolás Maduro in his U.S. narcotics/narco‑terrorism case, as Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores appeared in person and remain jailed in Brooklyn (held under restrictive SAMs). Defense lawyers say OFAC briefly authorized then rescinded a license to let the Venezuelan state fund his defense and argue the government stands ready to pay, prosecutors contend sanctions bar use of state‑controlled funds, and Hellerstein—noting eased U.S.–Venezuela relations—pressed why the block remains but did not rule or set a trial date amid dueling rallies.