What did Judge Alvin Hellerstein say about the right to counsel?

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Judge Hellerstein Affirmed the Paramountcy of the Right to Counsel

Judge Alvin Hellerstein stated that the right to counsel is paramount over other rights. He expressed skepticism regarding the justification for blocking payments for legal fees, noting that both Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores are in the United States and do not pose a further national security threat. Hellerstein highlighted that the right to constitutional counsel is a fundamental right that takes precedence.
The Right to Counsel is Paramount

In a March 26 court hearing, Judge Alvin Hellerstein articulated that the right to counsel is of utmost importance, surpassing other rights. His comments came amid a legal challenge where defence lawyers argued that US sanctions preventing the Venezuelan government from paying legal fees violated Maduro's constitutional right to counsel of his choice.
Skepticism Over Sanctions Justification

Hellerstein indicated a degree of skepticism about the government's justification for blocking payments for legal fees. He observed that Maduro and Flores are physically present in the US and do not represent an ongoing national security risk. This sentiment suggested a questioning of whether the sanctions, in this specific context, were appropriately applied.
Defence's Argument on Constitutional Rights

Maduro and Flores, facing charges including narcoterrorism conspiracy, have pleaded not guilty and are jailed pending trial. Their defence team, led by Barry Pollack, had previously petitioned for the case's dismissal, asserting that the prohibition on payments violated Maduro's constitutional rights. As neither Maduro nor Flores can personally afford legal representation, the Venezuelan government's willingness to cover their fees became central to the argument.

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What did Judge Alvin Hellerstein say about the right to counsel?

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