US Judge declines to dismiss Maduro case over legal fees
March 26, 2026
Ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro made his second appearance in a New York court since his dramatic capture and extraction by US forces.
Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores have been held in a Brooklyn jail since the US deposed him and began cooperating with his successor, transforming the oil-rich nation from US foe amid the reestablishment of friendly bilateral relations.
The former president reportedly smiled as he entered the court room and did not address the court during the proceedings.
Supporters and opponents of the Venezuelan president rallied outside the Manhattan courthouse, blowing horns and beating drums and cowbells.
Maduro critics held signs reading "Maduro rot in prison," while on the other side of a metal barrier, others held signs reading "Free President Maduro."
Who will pay for Maduro's defense?
The court appearance focused on the ongoing debate over who will pay for the deposed Venezuelan president and his wife Flores's legal fees.
Donald Trump's administration has said that current US sanctions prevent the Venezuelan government from paying the fees. Maduro and Flores have countered that they do not have sufficient personal funds to cover their defense.
"I'm not going to dismiss the case," said Judge Alvin Hellerstein, in response to a request by Maduro's lawyer.
But at the same time, Hellerstein pressed the Trump administration about its basis for barring Venezuela's government.
"We have changed the situation in Venezuela," Hellerstein said. "The current paramount goal and need and constitutional right is the right to defense," he added.
Hellerstein did not issue the ruling over the issue and it remained unclear when he would do so.
What does Maduro say about his charges?
Maduro faces charges of "narco-terrorism" conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices.
The former Venezuelan president has pleaded not guilty and declared himself a "prisoner of war."
Trump has pledged that "other cases are going to be brought" against Maduro, without providing any details.
Edited by: Rana Taha