Why did defence lawyers challenge the payment restriction as unconstitutional?

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Defence Lawyers Argued Payment Restrictions Violated Constitutional Rights

Defence lawyers for Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores challenged the United States' restrictions on payment for their legal representation as unconstitutional. They asserted that these restrictions violated Maduro's fundamental right under the US Constitution to choose his own legal counsel.
Right to Counsel of Choice Was Impeded

Barry Pollack, representing Maduro, argued before the court that the US sanctions preventing the Venezuelan government from paying his legal fees constituted a violation of his client's constitutional rights. The defence maintained that both Maduro and Flores are unable to afford legal representation independently, and the Venezuelan government had intended to cover these costs.
Constitutional Rights Apply Universally

The defence lawyers emphasized that all individuals facing criminal charges in the US possess constitutional rights, irrespective of their citizenship status. This principle was central to their argument that the payment restrictions unfairly disadvantaged Maduro and Flores.
Judicial Skepticism Regarding Sanctions Justification

US District Judge Alvin Hellerstein expressed skepticism regarding the government's justification for blocking the payments, noting that the US had already relaxed some sanctions on Venezuela. While a prosecutor stated the sanctions served national security and foreign policy interests, the judge highlighted the paramount importance of the right to constitutional counsel.

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Why did defence lawyers challenge the payment restriction as unconstitutional?

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