The United States will allow Venezuela to pay for Nicolas Maduro's legal defense, a court filing showed, lifting a roadblock on the ousted leader's trial on drug and other charges in New York.
Background of the Case
US Treasury sanctions on Venezuela had previously blocked Venezuela -- now ruled by Maduro's deputy -- from sending funds to pay for attorneys to represent the leftist strongman and his wife. Both were snatched by US forces in an overnight raid in early January and flown to New York to face federal criminal charges. The Maduros' defense had sought to have their cases dismissed on grounds that blocking the funding violated the US Constitution's right to counsel of one's choice.
Court Filing Details
A court filing on Friday by the US prosecutor in New York said the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control has issued amended licenses to counsel for defendants that authorizes them to receive payments from the Government of Venezuela. The funds must have been made available after March 5, 2026, and cannot come from US-regulated oil sales.
Since removing Maduro, the US has effectively controlled the export of Venezuelan oil. The funds go into special accounts overseen by Washington. According to the Friday filing, the defense acknowledges the sanctions waiver and is lifting its motion to dismiss the charges, for now.
Implications
This development allows the trial to proceed without the constitutional challenge over funding. The Maduros face serious charges, and the US government continues to manage Venezuelan oil revenues under strict oversight.
