Deposed Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro appeared in a New York federal court this week after being brought to the United States following a dramatic US military operation in Caracas. The hearing, held in Manhattan, marked Maduro’s first formal response to sweeping US charges, including narco-terrorism, and set the tone for what is expected to be a long and politically charged legal battle.
Who is Barry Pollack?
Barry J Pollack is widely regarded as one of the most experienced criminal defence lawyers in the US, with more than three decades of work as a lawyer.
- Over 30 years’ experience representing executives, senior government officials and organisations in high-profile cases.
- Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and the American Board of Criminal Lawyers.
- Former president of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
- Described by Chambers USA as a “thorough and deep-thinking lawyer” who “lives, breathes and sleeps trials”.
- Recently negotiated a plea agreement leading to the immediate release of WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange.
- Secured a rare full acquittal for a former Enron executive in criminal fraud trials linked to the company’s collapse.
- Played a key role in overturning wrongful murder convictions, including the Martin Tankleff case, resulting in $13.4 million in compensation.
- Awarded the Defender of Innocence Award and the Gideon Champion of Justice Award for his work on wrongful convictions.
- Former Assistant Federal Public Defender in Maryland and ex-partner at a leading Washington white-collar defence firm.
- Graduate of Indiana University and Georgetown University Law Center; now an adjunct professor at Georgetown, teaching federal criminal trial practice.
During the proceedings, Maduro firmly rejected the accusations. Addressing the court, he said: “I am innocent. I am not guilty of anything that is mentioned here.” His wife, Cilia Flores, also entered a not guilty plea after confirming her identity through a Spanish interpreter. “I am first lady of the Republic of Venezuela,” she said, before adding: “Not guilty. Completely innocent.”
The judge, Alvin Hellerstein, formally entered a plea of not guilty on Maduro’s behalf. The hearing briefly turned to questions of status and jurisdiction, with Maduro insisting he remained Venezuela’s lawful leader. “I’m still the president of my country,” he was quoted as saying.
Near the end of the hearing, Pollack told the court that his client “is head of a sovereign state and entitled to the privilege” that status provides. He also raised “questions about the legality of his military abduction” and warned there would be “voluminous” pretrial filings challenging the case.
The next hearing will be on March 17.
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