It will not start on January 3, 2022 as planned, but at a later date to be determined on January 7.
The trial of Colombian-Venezuelan businessman Alex Saab, considered the front man of the president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, and accused in the US of conspiracy to launder money, will not begin on January 3, 2022 as planned, but in a later date to be determined on January 7.
This was decided by the parties in a brief hearing held this Monday and headed by Judge Robert N. Scola, to which Saab attended accompanied by his lawyers and in which the need for a “reasonable” timetable for the process was addressed.
The court documents of the hearing indicate that the defense of Saab and the Prosecutor’s Office agreed that the date of January 3 was not “realistic” and the judge set a hearing for January 7 to agree on when it will begin.
Álex Saab, alleged front man for Nicolás Maduro, pleads not guilty of money laundering in the United States
Today’s hearing, which was scheduled for December 28, was brought forward at the request of Saab’s defense, to which the judge agreed.
Saab, 49, was extradited to the US in October from Cape Verde, where he was arrested last year following an international arrest warrant requested by the US Justice.
The businessman faces a charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering in a Miami court, of which he pleaded “not guilty” on November 15 before Judge Alicia M. Otazo-Reyes.
Judge Scola earlier this month dismissed seven money laundering charges against the defendant, who was extradited from Cape Verde on October 16.
The reduction of charges was part of the extradition agreement with the Government of Cape Verde so that, in case he is found guilty, the sentence does not exceed the one he would have had in that African country.
Before Alex Saab’s defense request not to take photos and limit access to a hearing, the US Attorney’s Office opposes a possible closure to the public
Saab faces a sentence of about 20 years if he is found guilty of the only charge he has in Miami court, a penalty that can be reduced if he makes a deal with the Prosecutor’s Office, which usually includes accusation of other people.
Judge Scola ordered on November 29 to veto the public the evidence and documents that are presented as part of the trial of Colombian-Venezuelan Alex Saab.
Judge Robert N. Scola Jr. thus agreed to a request from the US Attorney’s Office, which was approved by Saab’s defense, according to court documents. (I)
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