U.S. Prosecutors Challenge Maduro's Request for Venezuelan Legal Fees

Federal prosecutors in the U.S. have urged a judge to reject Nicolás Maduro's request to dismiss narcoterrorism charges, arguing that the U.S. government has not infringed on his right to legal defense. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, claim their constitutional rights were violated when the U.S. denied licenses allowing Venezuela to pay for their legal representation. Prosecutors noted that while the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) granted limited access to Maduro's personal funds, it explicitly prohibited the use of sanctioned government funds for legal fees. The case raises questions about the legitimacy of Maduro and Flores as Venezuelan leaders and their entitlement to legal protections.

Key Details: • Prosecutors filed their response to the court on a Friday night. • Maduro's initial license to receive payments was revoked shortly after being granted. • The OFAC regulations prevent sanctioned entities from paying legal fees for other sanctioned individuals.