US judge Alvin Hellerstein, who handled Maduro trial, dies at 92

Alvin Hellerstein presides over Maduro's trial proceedings US federal judge Alvin K Hellerstein, who presided over cases involving Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, President Donald Trump's hush money case and the September 11 terror attacks.Hellerstein died on Wednesday morning surrounded by his family, Chief Judge Laura Taylor Swain said in a statement. He had served on the US District Court for the Southern District of New York since 1998 and continued hearing cases until his death.Swain described him as a “distinguished jurist”, praising his “energetic and dedicated service” to the court. “He is greatly appreciated and will be sorely missed,” she said, as quoted by AP.Hellerstein had continued to preside over Maduro's case despite questions about his age and health. Just two weeks before his death, he oversaw the arraignment of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on additional torture charges linked to their ongoing narco-terrorism conspiracy case.Maduro and Flores were captured during a US military raid in Caracas in January. When Maduro twice declined to enter a plea, Hellerstein directed that one be recorded on his behalf. “A plea of not guilty will be entered on behalf of Mr...