Nicolás Maduro is scheduled to appear before a federal court to seek dismissal of narco terrorism related charges arguing that actions by the United States government have constrained his ability to secure legal representation

The proceedings are being overseen by Alvin Hellerstein who had earlier scheduled the hearing to allow defense teams to examine evidence outline legal motions and consider a potential trial timeline

Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores have pleaded not guilty to charges including narco terrorism conspiracy and drug trafficking

Defense counsel Barry Pollack has stated that continued representation may not be possible if restrictions prevent the Venezuelan government from covering legal expenses raising concerns about the right to counsel under US law

The case originates from indictments filed in the Southern District of New York alleging that Maduro and associated officials engaged in large scale drug trafficking operations linked to armed groups with the intent to transport cocaine into the United States