Maduro and Wife Charged with Torture Conspiracy in U.S.

On October 8, U.S. federal prosecutors expanded their criminal case against former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, by filing new charges of torture conspiracy. Maduro, already facing drug trafficking charges, is accused of authorizing a system of political repression targeting opposition figures during his presidency.

The updated indictment alleges that Maduro approved specific torture methods, monitored the treatment of detainees, and personally threatened a prisoner’s child. Thousands of Venezuelans reportedly suffered harassment, arrest, and torture at the hands of government agents.

Cilia Flores, a former legislator and attorney general, is accused of aiding in the establishment of this repressive system. Both have been detained in New York since January following their removal from Caracas.

The indictment mentions that three alleged torture victims were U.S. citizens. A judge denied a request from Flores' legal team for her to be placed under house arrest, citing her refusal to undergo a medical procedure.