Key facts
- Nicolas Maduro has added lawyer Anna Estevao to his defense team.
- Anna Estevao previously represented Sean "Diddy" Combs.
- Estevao was part of the team that secured acquittals for Combs on sex trafficking and racketeering charges.
- Combs was found guilty on two lesser prostitution-related counts and is serving a 50-month prison sentence.
- Maduro faces U.S. drug trafficking charges and has pleaded not guilty.
- Maduro is due in federal court on June 30 for a hearing on pre-trial motions.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has bolstered his legal defense by adding Anna Estevao to his team. Estevao was part of the legal team that secured acquittals for hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs on sex trafficking and racketeering charges, though Combs was later found guilty on two lesser prostitution-related counts and is serving a 50-month prison sentence. Estevao's addition comes as Maduro prepares to fight U.S. drug trafficking charges, to which he has pleaded not guilty. The move follows the recent announcement that Maduro's existing Washington-based lawyer, Barry Pollack, joined the firm Harris Trzaskoma. Maduro is due to appear in federal court on June 30 for a hearing where pre-trial motions are expected to be discussed. Pollack has indicated he will challenge the legality of Maduro's "abduction" by U.S. military forces.