Attorneys for 'El Chapo' say his US jail conditions are 'too restrictive'

Lawyers for accused drug kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman are speaking out about the conditions under which he is being detained in the U.S., calling them "too restrictive."

According to NBC News, after a recent hearing in New York, one of his attorneys, Michelle Gelernt told the media, "Essentially, he's locked in a cell for 23 hours a day. He's only permitted out for limited members of our office and one hour of exercise a day — it's extremely restrictive."

Meanwhile, during the hearing, she reportedly said to the judge, "We aren't even allowed to give Mr. Guzman a glass of water."

According to the BBC, she also pushed back against his 23-hour lockdown, telling the court, "We understand the need for security but we think it has gone above and beyond."

Judge Brian M. Cogan has been quoted as saying in response, "This may put defense counsel under burdens that are somewhat unusual, but the defendant's public history is somewhat unusual."

Guzman, who is being held on charges related to running a massive drug trafficking operation, has broken out of prison twice before in Mexico.

His next court appearance has been set for May 5.