U.S. authorities have charged former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro with torture, alleging he ordered physical and psychological abuse against Americans and political opponents. The indictment, part of a broader case against Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, adds to existing drug-trafficking charges that could result in a 50-year minimum sentence.
The indictment details allegations that Maduro signed off on torture methods, including electric shocks, beatings, and asphyxiation, and personally threatened the killing of a prisoner’s child as psychological torture. The charges also link Maduro to the DGCIM military agency, which was headed by one of his co-defendants, Gen. Hugo Carvajal.
The case comes as U.S. courts continue to pursue accountability for alleged torture by Maduro’s regime, with victims including U.S. citizens. The indictment also highlights ongoing legal battles, including a $300 million default judgment against Maduro and other officials for a pattern of torture linked to his crackdown on opponents.
The indictment does not name specific victims, but three are described as U.S. citizens, with accounts of severe abuse, including forced confessions and prolonged imprisonment. The case underscores U.S. efforts to hold accountable those responsible for human rights violations in Venezuela.