The deposed president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, hired criminal lawyer Barry Pollack to act in his defense in the narco-terrorism case being processed in the United States courts in New York.
Pollack, who for years represented WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, on Monday filed a formal notice of appearance as Maduro’s lawyer in the case before the Southern District Court of New York. The measure was filed before the hearing scheduled for this Monday (5).
after being brought to the US on charges that President Donald Trump’s administration used to justify his capture and transfer to New York.
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Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are expected to attend the hearing, considered a mandatory initial step in the process, which could pave the way for a prolonged legal dispute over the possibility of him being tried in North American territory.
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The defense must question the legality of the arrest, arguing that Maduro has immunity because he is the sovereign head of a foreign state. The United States government, however, does not recognize him as the legitimate leader of Venezuela.
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Maduro, his wife, a son and three other people are accused of working together with drug cartels to facilitate the shipment of large volumes of cocaine to the United States. If convicted, they could face sentences including life in prison.
(with Bloomberg and Estadão Conteúdo)
