Nicolás Maduro's lawyer argues against U.S. blocking funding for drug trafficking case defense

Nicolás Maduro's legal team argued in a New York federal court Thursday that the U.S. government is improperly blocking funding needed for his drug trafficking defense. Maduro and his wife appeared in court as part of efforts to have their trafficking indictments dismissed, citing what they characterize as a geopolitical dispute over their ability to pay lawyers. The case hinges on whether the Trump administration's financial restrictions on the former Venezuelan leader have effectively prevented him from mounting a legal defense. Maduro faces serious federal charges related to drug trafficking allegations stemming from his time as Venezuela's president. The outcome will test whether U.S. sanctions and asset freezes can be used in ways that deprive defendants of adequate counsel.