A US federal court in Manhattan recently saw a dispute over who would represent Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, currently on trial. On 12/1, Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein in New York issued a ruling to resolve the contention between two lawyers.

The controversy began last week when lawyer Bruce Fein, a former senior official of the US Department of Justice, filed a motion to join Maduro's defense team. Judge Hellerstein initially approved Fein's request.

In his court filing, Fein asserted that individuals "close" to Maduro and his family had sought his assistance. He claimed that Maduro himself "had expressed a desire for this help" and stated his intention to join the defense without demanding any payment.

However, Fein's effort met with strong opposition from Barry Pollack, Maduro's lead counsel. Pollack had represented the Venezuelan President in his initial court hearing and challenged Fein's involvement.

"I confirmed with Maduro that he did not know Fein and had never contacted him," Pollack wrote in a letter to the judge on 8/1. Fein later admitted he had never had any direct contact with Maduro, whether by phone, video call, or other means.

Lawyer Bruce Fein speaking in Maryland, US, in 2014. *Photo: Reuters*

Consequently, Judge Hellerstein reversed his initial decision, removing Fein from the defense team. The judge stated that Fein "lacked a legal basis" for his involvement, emphasizing that only Maduro had the authority to hire a lawyer, not unidentified individuals.

The judge also rejected a request to summon Maduro to court to determine if he wished to add Fein to his defense team. "If Maduro wants to hire Fein, he can certainly do so himself," Judge Hellerstein stated. "Fein cannot appoint himself as Maduro's representative lawyer."

Pollack was the only lawyer present with Maduro at the 5/1 hearing in Manhattan. He is a prominent Washington-based lawyer, known for previously representing Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks.

Maduro faces four charges under the indictment: narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess these items. His wife, Cilia Flores, is accused of "ordering kidnappings and murders" and accepting bribes. Both maintain their innocence. The next hearing is scheduled for 17/3.

By Duc Trung (According to ABC News, CBS News, AP)