New york: Former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is set to request a US federal judge to dismiss narco-terrorism charges, arguing that his legal defense is being obstructed by Washington. The hearing, scheduled by Judge Alvin Hellerstein, is intended to allow Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores's legal team to review evidence, file pretrial motions, and possibly establish a trial timeline.

According to Anadolu Agency, Maduro plans to seek case dismissal due to a dispute over legal fees, as his lawyer Barry Pollack is unable to receive payments from Venezuela without a US sanctions waiver. This waiver, initially approved by the US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, was later revoked, complicating the payment process. Pollack contends that this reversal undermines Maduro's constitutional right to a proper defense, a stance also supported by Flores' lawyer. They have requested a hearing to examine the government's decision-making process if the case is not dismissed.

Prosecutors argue that the license was issued in error and subsequently revoked, but note that Maduro and his wife can use personal funds in Venezuela for legal expenses. Lawyers indicate that Maduro has limited access to funds for his defense, though he is eligible for a court-appointed lawyer. Maduro and his wife deny the longstanding drug and weapons charges while in US custody.

Pollack intends to challenge the legality of Maduro's arrest, asserting immunity from prosecution on the grounds that the alleged offenses occurred during his presidency. Maduro and his wife remain in federal custody in New York following a US military operation in Caracas on January 3, which led to their capture and subsequent indictment on narco-terrorism and cocaine trafficking charges.