Former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are scheduled to appear in a New York federal court on Thursday to face new charges accusing them of conspiring to torture political opponents during Maduro’s presidency.
The latest indictment, filed last Thursday, significantly broadens the US criminal case against Maduro, 63, and Flores, 70. Both previously pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking-related charges alleging they used their political influence to facilitate cocaine shipments. Their attorneys have also denied the new torture allegations.
The couple is expected to enter pleas during an arraignment scheduled for 11 a.m. EDT (1500 GMT) before US District Judge Alvin Hellerstein in Manhattan.
Federal prosecutors allege Maduro ordered Venezuelan officials to torture opposition politicians and military personnel suspected of plotting against his government. Authorities claim the alleged abuses were intended to suppress dissent and strengthen his control over Venezuela.
According to the indictment, Maduro instructed officials in 2014 to abduct military personnel and extract information about suspected dissidents. When some detainees resisted questioning, he allegedly demanded that interrogators intensify their methods.
Prosecutors also allege Flores supported the operation and rejected an alternative proposal involving infiltration to gather intelligence.
Neither Maduro nor Flores is accused of personally conducting torture. However, both could face mandatory minimum prison sentences of 50 years if convicted on all charges. Their trial is scheduled to begin June 1, 2027.
Maduro’s relationship with Washington deteriorated throughout his 13-year presidency. Multiple US administrations imposed sanctions on Venezuelan officials and state-owned companies over allegations of corruption, human rights abuses and electoral manipulation.
Maduro repeatedly accused Washington of attempting to overthrow his government to secure greater influence over Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
Tensions culminated on January 3, when US forces captured Maduro and Flores during a military operation at their Caracas residence ordered by President Donald Trump. The couple was transferred to New York and remains detained at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center.
Following Maduro’s removal, former Vice President Delcy Rodriguez assumed leadership and expanded cooperation with Washington.
Trump has highlighted Maduro’s capture and improved US-Venezuela relations as major foreign policy achievements ahead of the November 3 US midterm elections, when Republicans will seek to maintain control of Congress.
