Summary
Nicolas Maduro, the leader of Venezuela, has asked a U.S. judge to dismiss drug trafficking charges against him. He claims the U.S. blocked funds needed for his legal defense, which he argues violates his legal rights.
Key Facts
- Nicolas Maduro is the leader of Venezuela and is facing drug trafficking charges in the U.S.
- Maduro's legal team is asking a U.S. judge to dismiss the charges because they say the U.S. blocked funds for his legal defense.
- The U.S. reportedly blocked the Venezuelan government from paying Maduro’s and his wife’s legal fees.
- Maduro and his wife have been jailed in New York since January after being taken from Venezuela by U.S. forces.
- They both deny the accusations of helping drug traffickers.
- A U.S. department initially allowed payment for Maduro's legal fees but then revoked the permission.
- The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control had allowed the legal fees to be paid but this was reversed by the U.S. administration.
- The US Attorney’s office has not commented on the matter.
