Barry Pollack Lawyer: Deposed Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro appeared this week in a federal court in New York after being brought to the United States following a dramatic US military operation in Caracas. The hearing took place in Manhattan and marked the first time Maduro formally responded to serious criminal charges filed by US authorities.
The case against Maduro has allegations such as narco-terrorism and drug trafficking, and it is expected to become one of the most politically sensitive legal case which invoves a foreign leader in US history.
US lagislators have accused Maduro for running a criminal network linked to international drug trafficking and terrorism. These charges are against the Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, who was recently taken into US custody during a operation in Venezuela.
The court’s hearing is focused on confirming identities, entering pleas, and setting the legal framework for the case.
Who Is Barry Pollack? Veteran Lawyer Leading Maduro’s Defence
Maduro is being defended by Barry J Pollack, one of the most experienced criminal defence lawyers in the United States.
Pollack has more than 30 years of legal experience and has represented top executives, government officials, and major organisations in high-profile cases. He is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and the American Board of Criminal Lawyers, and he previously served as president of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
He has been described by Chambers USA as a “thorough and deep-thinking lawyer” who “lives, breathes and sleeps trials”.
Barry Pollack’s High-Profile Legal Career and Past Victories
Pollack has handled several landmark cases. He recently helped negotiate a plea deal that led to the release of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. He also secured a rare full acquittal for a former Enron executive and played a major role in overturning wrongful murder convictions, including the Martin Tankleff case, which resulted in $13.4 million in compensation.
Pollack is a former Assistant Federal Public Defender in Maryland, a former partner at a leading Washington white-collar law firm, and now teaches federal criminal trial practice as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University.
Maduro Pleads Not Guilty in New York Court
During the hearing, Maduro strongly rejected all the charges. Speaking to the court, he said, “I am innocent. I am not guilty of anything that is mentioned here.” US District Judge Alvin Hellerstein formally entered a not-guilty plea on Maduro’s behalf.
Cilia Flores Also Rejects All Allegations
Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, also appeared before the court. Using a Spanish interpreter, she confirmed her identity and said, “I am first lady of the Republic of Venezuela.”
She then added, “Not guilty. Completely innocent.”
Maduro Says “I’m still the president of my country”
The hearing briefly turned to questions about Maduro’s political status. He told the court, “I’m still the president of my country.” This statement highlighted his claim that he remains Venezuela’s legitimate leader, despite being removed from power.
Defence Raises Sovereignty and ‘Illegal Abduction’ Claim
Barry Pollack argued that Maduro’s arrest violated international law. He told the judge that his client is head of a sovereign state and entitled to the privilege. He also raised questions about the legality of his military abduction and warned the court that there would be “voluminous” pretrial filings challenging the case.
Next Court Hearing Scheduled for March 17
The judge set March 17 as the date for the next court hearing. The case is expected to involve lengthy legal arguments, diplomatic issues, and challenges over how Maduro was brought to the United States. This courtroom battle could have far-reaching consequences for both US-Venezuela relations and international law.
