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Dispute Over Who Represents Nicolás Maduro Deepens in Manhattan Federal Case

Barry Pollack says Bruce Fein is not authorized to appear, prompting a request for the judge to verify Maduro’s choice of counsel.

Overview

  • Pollack, who stood with Maduro at his arraignment, asked Judge Alvin Hellerstein to remove Fein after the court initially accepted Fein’s filing.
  • Fein says people in Maduro’s inner circle indicated he was wanted on the team and asked the judge to interview Maduro privately to confirm counsel.
  • Federal prosecutors, who charge Maduro with narco-terrorism, cocaine-trafficking conspiracy, and machine gun-related offenses, have taken no position on the counsel fight.
  • Pollack has signaled upcoming motions challenging the legality of Maduro’s capture and asserting head-of-state privileges and immunities.
  • Maduro remains at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center with health issues noted by Pollack, and the next court date is set for March 17.