The United States has agreed to ease certain economic sanctions on Venezuela, enabling former president Nicolás Maduro to pay his legal expenses in an ongoing drug trafficking case in New York. The decision follows extended discussions in Washington and was disclosed in court documents. Previously, restrictions had prevented Maduro from compensating his lawyers, raising concerns that the case might be dismissed.

Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were detained by US forces in Caracas on January 3 and later transferred to New York, where they face multiple charges including drug terrorism. Both have pleaded not guilty. Maduro’s lead attorney, Barry Pollack, had argued that sanctions blocked payment for his services, violating the defendant’s constitutional right to counsel. Judge Alvin Hellerstein emphasized the importance of the right to defense, prompting the US administration to relax its stance.

The case, initiated under the Trump administration amid corruption and democracy concerns, now continues with Maduro able to retain his chosen legal team, renewing debate over the trial’s direction.