Federal Judge Denies Bruce Fein's Attempt to Join Nicolás Maduro's Defense Team
A federal judge has denied former Justice Department official Bruce Fein's attempt to join ex-Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's defense team, ruling that Fein had no legal basis to do so. Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein initially approved Fein's application but reversed course after objections from Maduro's actual lawyer, Barry Pollack. Fein claimed individuals close to Maduro had sought his assistance, but Hellerstein stated that only Maduro could retain him as a lawyer.
Pollack, who represented Maduro at his arraignment in Manhattan federal court, plans to challenge the legality of Maduro's military abduction and invoke immunity as a head of state. Despite Fein's efforts to join the case, Pollack confirmed that Maduro had not communicated with Fein or authorized him to be part of the defense team.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges. They are currently held without bail in a federal jail in Brooklyn and are scheduled to appear in court on March 17.