Maduro Seeks Case Dismissal as US Blocks Legal Fees from Caracas

Attorney Barry Pollack asked a Manhattan federal judge to dismiss the drug trafficking indictment against Nicolas Maduro after the US government blocked the use of Venezuelan funds for his legal defense.The defense argues the US Treasury Department violated due process by rescinding permission for the payments, which Nicolas Maduro claims he is entitled to as head of state to avoid court-appointed counsel.Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores were captured during a US military operation in January and face charges involving cocaine shipments and murders following years of sanctions maintained by Donald Trump.