Maduro Seeks to Toss US Charges Over Blocked Fees to Lawyer (2)

Ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro asked a federal judge to dismiss drug-trafficking charges against him, claiming the US is blocking funds for his legal defense from the Venezuelan government.

Maduro’s lawyer, Barry Pollack, said in a Thursday court filing in New York that actions by the US Treasury Department unconstitutionally violated Maduro’s right to the counsel of his choice. According to Pollack, this requires the case to be dismissed.

Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were both forcibly removed from Venezuela by US forces in January. Days later they appeared in court in New York where both pleaded not guilty. ...