The United States has agreed to modify its sanctions against Venezuela, allowing the government to pay for the legal defense of Nicolas Maduro, the ousted president. Maduro, along with his wife Cilia Flores, was captured by US special forces and brought to New York to face serious charges, including narcoterrorism conspiracy. Their lawyer, Barry Pollack, argued that the sanctions violated Maduro's constitutional right to counsel. US District Judge Alvin Hellerstein expressed skepticism over the justification for blocking these payments, emphasizing the importance of the right to legal representation. This decision comes amid a backdrop of improved relations between Caracas and Washington, particularly since Delcy Rodriguez has taken on interim leadership in Venezuela. Historically, US sanctions against Venezuela intensified under former President Donald Trump, who cited corruption and electoral fraud as reasons for the restrictions. Maduro has consistently dismissed these allegations as attempts by the US to control Venezuela's oil resources.