By Micah Jonah, February 27, 2026
Ousted Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduro has asked a U.S. judge to dismiss drug trafficking charges against him, accusing the American government of interfering with his right to legal representation by blocking payment of his legal fees.
Maduro made the request on Thursday through his lawyer, Barry Pollack, who argued that the U.S. Treasury Department initially granted, then swiftly revoked permission for the Venezuelan government to fund his defence.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, pleaded not guilty on January 5 to drug trafficking charges that could result in decades-long prison sentences if convicted. Both are currently being held in New York awaiting trial.
The case is being overseen by U.S. District Judge, Alvin Hellerstein.
According to the defence, the Treasury Department on January 9 granted an exception to U.S. sanctions on Venezuela to allow payment of Maduro’s legal fees. However, the authorisation was revoked just hours later without explanation.
Pollack argued in a court filing that the move violated Maduro’s Sixth Amendment right to counsel under the U.S. Constitution and warrants dismissal of the charges. He said he could not continue to represent Maduro without funding from the Venezuelan government.
A spokesperson for the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s Office, which filed the charges, did not immediately comment on the motion.
Maduro was captured alongside his wife in a nighttime operation in Caracas on January 3, following months of pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration. Prosecutors allege that Maduro used his position during his 13-year rule to support drug trafficking networks.
The court is yet to rule on the dismissal request.
