U.S. Judge Bars Maduro from Sharing Evidence with Unindicted Co-Defendants

A U.S. federal judge has prohibited lawyers for deposed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from sharing case evidence with other defendants who have not yet been arrested, citing risks to witnesses and the investigation.

Court Ruling on Evidence Sharing

• Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein issued an order stating that case materials "cannot be shared with any defendant who has not yet been arrested, nor with their lawyers."
• The decision supports the prosecution's request to limit access due to potential risks to witnesses and the ongoing investigation.
• This measure affects co-accused individuals such as Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and Maduro's son, Nicolás Maduro Guerra, who remain at large.

Background of Maduro's Case

• Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured by U.S. forces in Caracas in early January and transferred to New York.
• They are detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn for over 90 days.
• Both face charges including drug trafficking, money laundering, and corruption, and have pleaded not guilty.

Other Accused Individuals

• The U.S. indictment also names several others who have not been detained:
  • Diosdado Cabello, Venezuelan Interior Minister.
  • Nicolás Maduro Guerra, Maduro's eldest son.
  • Ramón Rodríguez Chacín, former Venezuelan official.
  • Héctor Guerrero Flores, alias "Niño Guerrero," alleged leader of the Tren de Aragua criminal group, designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S.

Recent Hearing and Legal Fees Issue

• On March 26, Judge Hellerstein denied a motion to dismiss the case, rejecting defense arguments that the U.S. government is obstructing defense by not allowing Venezuela to pay legal fees.
• The judge indicated he will soon rule on whether Venezuela can cover legal representation costs but clarified this issue does not invalidate the proceedings.

Political Context in Venezuela

• The case coincides with Delcy Rodríguez serving as interim president for over 90 days, exceeding the constitutional limit.
• Under Venezuela's constitution, the vice president (Rodríguez's prior role) can serve as interim president for up to 90 days, with a possible 90-day extension by the National Assembly.