Barry Pollack, Julian Assange’s Lawyer Who Secured His Freedom, Now Defending Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro?
Deposed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has enlisted a powerful legal team to combat federal charges in the United States, naming high-profile Washington attorney Barry J. Pollack as his primary counsel. Bloomberg and CNN report that Pollack has formally joined the proceedings by submitting a notice of appearance to the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, where Maduro will face trial on multiple grave charges, including narco-terrorism and conspiracy to smuggle cocaine into American territory.
Following a US special forces raid in Caracas that led to his detention, Maduro was extradited to New York, culminating what prosecutors describe as a decades-long investigation. Federal investigators claim Maduro and top Venezuelan officials exploited their governmental authority for over 25 years to orchestrate massive cocaine shipments bound for the United States. The Justice Department contends Maduro offered logistical support to major drug cartels, including the notorious Sinaloa Cartel of Mexico, and aided traffickers in avoiding law enforcement by providing diplomatic credentials and official protection.
The proceeding, officially designated as USA v. Carvajal-Barrios, falls under the jurisdiction of seasoned District Judge Alvin Hellerstein, a highly regarded jurist with extensive federal court experience. Pollack is anticipated to construct an intricate defense potentially incorporating sovereign immunity claims, as Maduro maintains his status as Venezuela’s legitimate president despite an interim government being established. His defense approach may also contest the prosecution by alleging political motivations behind the charges.
Who is Barry Pollack?
With decades of courtroom expertise in politically charged and high-stakes litigation, Pollack has built an impressive track record. He gained worldwide recognition for defending WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and successfully brokering the plea deal that resulted in Assange’s prison release last year, concluding an extended legal battle with American authorities. As a partner at Harris, St Laurent & Wechsler, Pollack has distinguished himself by winning seemingly impossible cases. Throughout his three-decade career, he has achieved landmark courtroom successes, including securing a complete acquittal for a former Enron executive facing criminal fraud allegations following the energy company’s infamous bankruptcy.
In addition to prominent trials, Pollack has demonstrated unwavering commitment to pro bono legal work. He was instrumental in reversing Martin Tankleff’s wrongful conviction, freeing a man who had been imprisoned for 17 years for a double homicide he did not commit. Pollack subsequently advocated for Tankleff in a civil action that yielded a $13.4 million damages award.
Separately, Cilia Flores, Maduro’s spouse, has retained Mark Donnelly, a former prosecutor with the US Justice Department, who has likewise filed formal documentation confirming his participation in the case.