Nicolás Maduro cannot pay for his legal defense in his federal criminal case in the United States because the Trump administration is refusing to allow the Venezuelan government to use funds subject to sanctions to cover his legal fees, according to a court filing submitted by his attorney.

Maduro’s lawyer, Barry Pollack, indicated that he may ask a judge to step in, arguing that if the administration does not reverse its position, it would effectively interfere with Maduro’s Sixth Amendment right to counsel in what he described as one of the most high-profile criminal cases in the country.

In early January, Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were taken into custody during a late-night military operation and brought to the United States. Federal prosecutors in Manhattan charged them with conspiracy to import cocaine and possession of machine guns and destructive devices. Maduro also faces a separate charge of narco-terrorism conspiracy. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to all charges.

In a letter dated Feb. 20 and filed Wednesday, Pollack wrote that the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control initially granted licenses on Jan. 9 to both Maduro and his wife, permitting the Venezuelan government to pay for their legal representation. However, less than three hours later, the authorization granted to Maduro was amended, revoking permission for his defense costs to be paid by the Venezuelan government, Pollack said.

According to the filing, the government did not modify Flores’ license.

Weeks later, Maduro’s legal team asked the Treasury Department to restore his authorization. “Counsel explained that the government of Venezuela has an obligation to pay Mr. Maduro’s fees, Mr. Maduro has a legitimate expectation that the government of Venezuela would do so, and Mr. Maduro cannot otherwise afford counsel,” Pollack wrote.

Pollack stated that the Treasury office has not responded to the request.

Maduro is currently being held at a detention facility in New York as he awaits trial. He is scheduled to appear in federal court for a hearing on March 17.

{Matzav.com}