US prosecutors have added new torture charges against Venezuelan ex-president Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, accusing them of conspiring to torture political opponents and U.S. citizens. The charges are part of a broader legal case against the couple, who are held in a Brooklyn detention center and await trial in June 2027.
The charges, unsealed on Thursday, allege that Maduro and Flores used torture, arbitrary detention, and violence against political opponents to maintain power. The indictment details methods including electric shock, asphyxiation, and psychological torture, with prosecutors claiming the actions were aimed at ensuring Maduro's continued rule. Both have denied the charges and are seeking to have them dismissed, arguing they have immunity as former leaders.
The legal case against Maduro and Flores is part of a larger U.S. effort to hold accountable those responsible for human rights abuses in Venezuela. Prosecutors say the charges reflect a commitment to justice for victims of torture and narcoterrorism, while the couple's legal team argues they should be released, citing health concerns and claims of immunity. The case highlights ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, with both sides emphasizing the importance of the legal process and the rule of law.