Ousted Venezuelan President Maduro Faces Manhattan Federal Court

Maduro and wife Cilia Flores return to court as defense seeks dismissal over legal fees

Mar. 26, 2026 at 3:49pm

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Nicolas Maduro, the ousted president of Venezuela, and his wife Cilia Flores are set to return to a Manhattan federal courtroom on Thursday for a status conference that could determine the trajectory of the criminal case against them. Maduro and Flores pleaded not guilty to federal charges including narco-terrorism during their first appearance in court in January, and their attorneys have since pushed to have the case dismissed over concerns that the Trump administration is blocking the Venezuelan government from paying their legal fees.

Why it matters

The case against Maduro, who was captured in Venezuela and brought to the U.S. in January, has triggered an international outcry. His attorneys are arguing that his Sixth Amendment and due process rights would be violated if Venezuela is unable to financially support his legal defense due to U.S. sanctions, raising questions about the fairness of the proceedings.

The details

Maduro and Flores are accused of conspiring with drug cartels to allow the flow of cocaine into the United States. Prosecutors allege that Maduro allowed 'cocaine-fueled corruption to flourish for his own benefit,' including by providing diplomatic cover to drug traffickers and money launderers. Maduro has pleaded not guilty and denies being involved in drug trafficking. His attorneys are seeking to have the case dismissed, arguing that the Trump administration is unfairly blocking Venezuela from paying for their legal defense.

  • Maduro and Flores pleaded not guilty to the charges in January 2026.
  • The status conference is scheduled for Thursday, March 26, 2026.

The players

Nicolas Maduro

The ousted president of Venezuela who is facing federal charges including narco-terrorism.

Cilia Flores

The wife of Nicolas Maduro who is also facing charges in the case.

Barry Pollack

The attorney representing Maduro and Flores, who is arguing that their Sixth Amendment and due process rights would be violated if Venezuela is unable to financially support their legal defense.

Alvin Hellerstein

The U.S. District Judge presiding over the case.

Delcy Rodriguez

The Venezuelan interim president who says Maduro is still the legitimate president of Venezuela.

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What they’re saying

“I am innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man. I am still president of my country.”

— Nicolas Maduro

“The conduct of the United States government not only undermines Mr. Maduro's rights but also this Court's mandate to provide a fair trial to all defendants who come before it in accordance with the protections afforded by the U.S. Constitution.”

— Barry Pollack, Maduro's attorney

What’s next

The judge in the case is expected to hear arguments from both sides about how the case will progress toward a trial, including what pre-trial motions the defense plans to make and how much evidence has been turned over by prosecutors.

The takeaway

The case against Maduro has raised concerns about the fairness of the proceedings, with his attorneys arguing that his constitutional rights are being violated by the U.S. government's actions in restricting Venezuela's ability to pay for his legal defense. The outcome of the upcoming status conference could have significant implications for the trajectory of the case.