Who is Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein, who heard Maduro's case and hasn't retired yet at 92?

News Topical, Digital Desk : Venezuela's ousted President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are facing serious charges of narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. Both have pleaded not guilty, but the case has become a landmark moment for the American justice system. This high-profile case is being handled by 92-year-old veteran Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein, who has handled numerous high-profile and controversial cases in his decades-long career.

The Maduro couple was arrested and brought to New York following a US military operation. During his appearance before Judge Hellerstein in Manhattan federal court, Maduro insisted he remains Venezuela's legitimate president and pleaded not guilty. The judge interrupted him, only to confirm his identity and understanding of the charges. The case is based on drug trafficking charges filed in 2020, for which Venezuela's former intelligence chief, Hugo Carvajal, has already been convicted.

Who is Judge Hellerstein?

Alvin Hellerstein was born in New York in 1933. He earned a law degree from Columbia University. He served as a lawyer in the US Army from 1957 to 1960, then entered private practice. In 1998, then-President Bill Clinton appointed him as a federal judge for the Southern District of New York. He now holds senior status but continues to handle high-profile cases. He may be 92 years old, but he is renowned for his legal acumen and toughness.

Hellerstein has handled numerous sensitive cases throughout his long career, including thousands of civil cases related to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He has handled these cases with skill and brought them to settlements.

Tough stance on the Trump administration

Hellerstein has repeatedly issued controversial rulings in cases involving Donald Trump, including his dismissal of a request to transfer Trump's New York hush money case to federal court.

Last year, he also blocked the Trump administration's attempt to deport alleged Venezuelan gang members without trial. These decisions clearly demonstrate his disregard for the law. In a landmark 2015 ruling, Hellerstein ordered the US government to release photographs of prisoner abuse in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Read More: Bangladesh police reveal secrets about Osman Hadi's murder, explain why the murder occurred and who was behind it.