Nicolas Maduro and wife hit with US torture charge as prosecutors detail ordeal of 3 Americans
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are facing additional federal charges in the United States as prosecutors expand the criminal case against the couple.
The new allegations focus on the treatment of people held by Venezuelan authorities during Maduro’s years in power.
The development adds a serious human-rights dimension to a case that already carries potentially severe prison consequences if the duo is convicted.
New allegations against Nicolas Maduro
A superseding indictment filed in the US has accused Maduro and Flores of conspiring to commit torture.
The allegations relate to the Venezuelan government's treatment of people detained during Maduro's presidency, with prosecutors claiming that abuse was used as part of efforts to maintain political control.
The indictment identifies three US citizens among the alleged victims, although their identities have not been made public in the court filing.
The accounts described in the indictment include prolonged and severe physical mistreatment.
One American detainee allegedly spent eight months in custody and was repeatedly assaulted.
A second US citizen was allegedly beaten so severely that the person required an extended hospital stay.
The third alleged victim was reportedly restrained with handcuffs and a hood before being repeatedly beaten during a two-day period.
The injuries allegedly left the person with permanent damage to one eye.
The new allegations are part of the US government's investigation into the Maduro administration and its treatment of detainees.
Couple remain in US custody
Maduro and Flores have been held in New York since January following a US operation that resulted in their capture in Caracas and transfer to American custody.
The couple were already defendants in a long-running federal case before the latest indictment was unsealed.
Prosecutors had previously accused them of involvement in an illegal substance conspiracy, along with a number of other alleged co-conspirators.
Both have denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty.
The existing case could expose Maduro and Flores to life imprisonment if they are ultimately convicted. Their trial is currently scheduled to begin on June 1, 2027.
The former Venezuelan president and his wife have also challenged the US proceedings on legal grounds.
Their attorneys have argued that Maduro and Flores should be protected by immunity from prosecution.
The defense position is expected to become an important issue as the expanded case moves through the US courts.
Additionally, Flores also appeared before a judge on Thursday, October 8, with her attorneys seeking home confinement over her heart condition. The judge has rejected the plea.
