Overview
- Defense attorney Barry Pollack filed a motion in Manhattan federal court seeking dismissal, saying the U.S. sanctions office reversed within hours a Jan. 9 license that initially allowed Venezuela to fund Nicolás Maduro’s legal team.
- Pollack argues the change violates Maduro’s Sixth Amendment and due process rights, asserts his client cannot otherwise afford counsel, and says he will seek to withdraw if funding remains blocked.
- A declaration from Maduro states that under Venezuelan law and practice he is entitled to government-paid legal defense and that Pollack is his counsel of choice.
- Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control has not publicly explained the amendment or reinstated authorization, and prosecutors declined comment.
- Licensing for Cilia Flores’ defense payments remains in place, both defendants have pleaded not guilty, and the next court appearance is scheduled for March 26.