Jan 5, 2026 - Politics & Policy

Maduro being represented by Julian Assange's attorney

Avery Lotz

Nicolás Maduro and his wife, both of whom wear khaki jackets and pants, are escorted by a group of people in DEA uniforms. — Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are seen in handcuffs on Jan. 5 in New York City. Photo: XNY/Star Max/GC Images

Captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro is being represented in court by a high-profile lawyer whose list of clients includes WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

The big picture: Barry Pollack, a veteran trial lawyer and partner at Harris St. Laurent & Wechsler, appeared in federal court Monday with Maduro, where his client pleaded not guilty to drug and weapons-related charges.

Pollack's firm, Harris St. Laurent & Wechsler, did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for March 17.

Catch up quick: Maduro and his wife, who is being represented by a different attorney, are in U.S. custody after a stunning operation in Caracas ordered by President Trump over the weekend.

Zoom in: Pollack's bio page lists the Assange plea agreement as one of his career highlights, along with the acquittal of a former Enron Corp. executive on fraud charges.

Assange pleaded guilty in 2024 to conspiring to obtain and disclose classified documents as part of a deal.
After a prolonged legal battle, Assange returned to his home soil in Australia.
Pollack, per NPR, told reporters at the time that Assange would "be a continuing force for freedom of speech and transparency in government."

Go deeper: How the operation to take out Venezuela's Maduro unfolded

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Maduro being represented by Julian Assange's attorney

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