Legal Confusion Surrounding Maduro’s Defense Exposes Weaknesses in U.S. Case

The ongoing legal battle over Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s detention by U.S. authorities continues to reveal troubling cracks in the administration of justice. Barry Pollack, Maduro’s recognized defense attorney, recently flagged an unauthorized attempt by constitutional lawyer Bruce Fein to join the defense team—a move neither approved by Maduro nor Pollack himself.Fein sought admission pro hac vice, a special allowance enabling out-of-jurisdiction lawyers to represent clients temporarily with court permission. However, Pollack informed the court that Fein had never communicated with Maduro and that the president explicitly denied knowing or authorizing Fein as his counsel. This confusion prompted Judge Alvin...