Barry Pollack, a highly regarded US criminal defense attorney, has taken on the representation of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in his high-profile legal battle in a New York federal court. Maduro, who was recently captured by US military forces in Caracas, pleaded not guilty to severe charges, including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and weapons offenses. Pollack's appointment has drawn significant attention due to his extensive experience with complex international cases and his notable success in securing the release of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. In 2024, Pollack orchestrated a plea deal that led to Assange's freedom from a British prison, concluding a prolonged legal saga related to the US Espionage Act. Maduro's case revolves around allegations that for over 25 years, he and other Venezuelan leaders leveraged their positions to facilitate cocaine trafficking into the United States, providing logistical support to major drug cartels and selling diplomatic passports to traffickers. Pollack, a partner at Harris St. Laurent & Wechsler LLP, is expected to mount an aggressive defense, challenging the legality of Maduro's capture and potentially raising arguments of sovereign immunity for a head of state. This case is poised to be a significant test for US prosecutors and could have considerable implications for international law and diplomatic relations. Pollack's reputation for winning difficult trials, including securing acquittals for high-profile executives, underscores the strategic choice of his counsel in this geopolitically charged prosecution.