# U.S. Justice Department

Maduro’s U.S. Defense Says Treasury Blocked Venezuelan Funds, Asks Judge to Toss Case

Maduro’s U.S. attorney has moved to dismiss the criminal case, saying the U.S. Treasury briefly licensed then rescinded permission for him to accept Venezuelan state funds, effectively blocking payment for the president’s defense. The motion raises novel legal questions about whether sanctions-related executive actions can so impair a defendant’s right to counsel that a court must dismiss charges or provide other remedies.