Venezuela’s former leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, appeared before a judge on Thursday to enter not guilty pleas to charges of conspiracy to commit torture. The development marked the addition of new allegations to an existing case that initially focused on narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and weapons-related offenses.
According to prosecutors, the torture charges stem from allegations that Maduro and Flores “created and maintained a violent system of repression” resulting in the deaths, harassment, and torture of thousands of Venezuelan citizens. The indictment details specific torture methods allegedly employed, including electric shock, asphyxiation, rape, forced nudity, prolonged isolation, starvation, and psychological torture. Prosecutors also claim Maduro authorized the use of torture against specific individuals and that US citizens were subjected to this system.
Maduro and Flores were captured during a US military raid in January and subsequently transported to New York, where they have remained incarcerated. Both defendants have contested the charges and filed motions seeking dismissal based on claims of sovereign immunity, arguing that Maduro’s status as a country leader should shield him from US prosecution. Their legal representatives have further contended that the military operation used to capture them violated international law.
Flores previously attempted to secure release on bond, citing health concerns including heart problems, but her petition was unsuccessful. She and Maduro appeared in court wearing jail uniforms and observers noted both individuals appeared to have lost weight during their detention at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
The couple faces additional charges related to an alleged cocaine-trafficking conspiracy and purported partnerships with designated terrorist cartels. Trial proceedings are scheduled to commence in June 2027. Maduro has previously characterized the charges as instruments of US imperial ambitions aimed at controlling Venezuela’s substantial oil reserves.
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