NEW YORK – The former Venezuelan leader, Nicolás Maduro, will appear in federal court in Manhattan this Thursday for a hearing that is expected to be crucial for his legal future.
Under the supervision of Judge Alvin Hellerstein, he will face the confirmation of four serious charges against him, including conspiracy to commit narcoterrorism and the export of cocaine to the United States.
The defense, led by attorney Barry Pollack, will attempt to have the entire case dismissed.
The central argument focuses on alleged procedural flaws during the investigation, particularly the refusal by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to authorize the payment of legal fees using funds from the Venezuelan state.
According to the lawyers, this decision – based on economic sanctions in place since 2019 – violates the constitutional right to choose legal representation, protected by the Sixth Amendment.
Maduro remains detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his arrest on January 3rd in Caracas. In previous hearings, he pleaded not guilty to all charges and described himself as a "prisoner of war."
The U.S. prosecution argues that overturning the proceedings would be a disproportionate and legally unfounded measure. The investigation points to a purported alliance with Colombian guerrilla groups for the shipment of tons of drugs through criminal networks.
Along with Maduro, his wife and former…
AI Brief
NEW YORK. – Former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro will appear in federal court in Manhattan this Thursday for a hearing that is expected to be crucial for his legal future. Under the direction of Judge Alvin Hellerstein, he will face confirmation of four serious charges against him, including conspiracy to commit narcoterrorism and the export of cocaine to the United States. A man makes the "V" sign while holding toys representing the deposed Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. JUAN BARRETO - AFP. The defense, led by attorney Barry Pollack, will attempt to have the entire case dismissed. The central argument focuses on alleged procedural flaws during the investigation, particularly the refusal of the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to authorize the payment of legal fees from Venezuelan state funds. According to the lawyers, this decision, based on economic sanctions in place since 2019, violates the constitutional right to choose legal representation, protected by the Sixth Amendment. A woman holds a sign depicting the deposed Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, during a march demanding the complete lifting of US sanctions in Caracas, on March 23, 2026. JUAN BARRETO - AFP. Maduro remains detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his arrest on January 3 in Caracas. In previous hearings, he pleaded not guilty to all charges and described himself as a "prisoner of war." The US prosecution argues that overturning the proceedings would be a disproportionate and legally unfounded measure. The investigation points to a presumed alliance with Colombian guerrilla groups for the shipment of tons of drugs through criminal networks. Donald Trump and Delcy Rodríguez. JIM WATSON - AFP. Along with Maduro, his wife and former first lady, Cilia Flores, who is accused of similar drug trafficking offenses, must also appear. The court has already received official notification of the US government's recognition of Delcy Rodríguez as the legitimate authority of Venezuela. Security around the courthouse will be reinforced due to the high public exposure of the case. The proceedings appear to be a turning point in diplomatic relations between Washington and Caracas, recently restored. Nicolás Maduro Guerra, the former leader's son, provided details about his father's daily life in prison. According to his testimony, the former president maintains a strong spirit and exercises daily to maintain his health. "He will appear thin, with an athlete's build," he said. In his isolated cell, he does not have access to the internet, newspapers, or other media. His contact with the outside world is limited to fifteen-minute family phone calls. The Venezuelan president, Nicolás Maduro, was forced to travel to New York after being arrested by US forces. In this context, Maduro spends much of his time reading the Bible. For her part, Cilia Flores remains "firm and alert" awaiting the start of the hearings. The family maintains the innocence of both and believes that their version will prevail on the international stage. The case is in the hands of Alvin Hellerstein, 92, one of the most experienced judges in New York. His track record and reputation position him as a key figure in a high-impact political case with far-reaching international implications. One of his challenges will be to determine whether the lack of funding for the defense constitutes an obstacle that prevents the trial from proceeding. In this archival photo from March 12, 2020, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro gives a press conference at the presidential palace in Miraflores in Caracas, Venezuela. Matias Delacroix - AP. The hearing will also address accusations related to the alleged possession of weapons and destructive devices attributed to the former leader. The operation that led to the arrest of Nicolás Maduro and his wife was criticized by Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally. Star Max/GC Images. With the date set for this Thursday, the proceedings enter a critical stage. Every decision of the court will be closely watched, both for its judicial impact and for its consequences in the regional geopolitical landscape. Nicolás Maduro. Venezuela. Read more.