Overview
- U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein ruled Fein had no legal basis to appear because he lacked direct authorization from Maduro.
- The judge rejected Fein’s request to bring Maduro to court for a private inquiry on whether he wanted Fein on the team.
- Pollack told the court he spoke with Maduro, who said he does not know Fein and did not hire or authorize him.
- Fein said people in Maduro’s inner circle asked for his help, but he acknowledged he never communicated with Maduro directly.
- Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, pleaded not guilty, remain detained without bail in a Brooklyn federal facility, and are due back in court March 17; Pollack plans substantial motions challenging the capture and asserting sovereign immunity.