U.S. Judge Allows Venezuela to Fund Legal Defense for Maduro and Wife

U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein has approved a decision allowing the Venezuelan government to pay for the legal defense of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who are facing criminal charges in New York. This ruling follows a modified license from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), enabling Venezuela to cover legal expenses that the couple claimed were necessary for a proper defense. Maduro and Flores were captured in a U.S. military operation on January 3 and have been accused of narcoterrorism and related crimes, which they deny. The case has sparked protests outside the court, reflecting the divided opinions on Maduro's leadership and actions in Venezuela.

Key Details: • Judge Hellerstein accepted OFAC's modified licenses on Monday. • Maduro and Flores were captured on January 3 and transported to New York. • Charges against them include narcoterrorism and narcotrafficking. • Protests occurred outside the court, showing public division on Maduro's presidency. • The Venezuelan government is seeking to restore diplomatic relations with the U.S.