Demonstrators protest outside Manhattan federal court before a pre-trial hearing...

Demonstrators protest outside Manhattan federal court before a pre-trial hearing in former Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro's drug trafficking case, Thursday, March 26, 2026, in New York. Credit: AP/Heather Khalifa

Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, looted Venezuela's treasury for years for their own enrichment, the prosecution argues, and that it is inappropriate for them to use that nation's resources to defend themselves.

The prosecution claims Maduro and Flores have resources they can use to mount a defense. Hellerstein is skeptical, saying, "They are entitled to the presumption of innocence and the right to defend themselves. "

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