Alex Saab's hearing in the U.S. postponed until Nov. 15

A hearing for Colombian businessman Alex Saab, an alleged front man for Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, has been suspended until Nov. 15.

Saab’s lawyers said they hoped to have a first meeting with their client – who is accused of money laundering -- now that he has completed his mandatory quarantine after his extradition, AP journalist Joshua Goodman reported. 

Saab’s attorney, Henry Bell, told EFE that his client was extradited on Oct. 16 from Cape Verde and planned to plead not guilty. Pleading guilty is a step that defendants often take to reach a deal with the prosecutor’s office. 

The prosecutor's office noted that Saab would not be granted bail due to flight risk, and Bell did not confirm if his team planned to appeal the decision. 

Earlier this week, Miami judge Robert N. Scola dropped all seven money-laundering charges against Saab. However, Saab is still charged with his felony money laundering conspiracy, according to his court file. He faces up to 20 years in prison in the United States for this charge.

Prosecutors believe that he laundered more than $350 million to pay for Maduro's alleged acts of corruption through the U.S. financial system.

The first hearing was held on Oct. 18 before Judge John O'Sullivan. More than 350 people – mostly journalists -- attended via Zoom.

Saab asks court to limit virtual audiences

When Saab appeared – virtually – before the court, he complained that images of him dressed in an orange prison jumpsuit were being shared by the media. 

Judge Scola asked for the opinion of the prosecutor’s office regarding the complaint, but to date no guidance has been provided. 

Saab’s lawyer told EFE that he is not sure "how the illegal publication of the Saab images will be dealt with."