US Charges Maduro and Wife With Torture Conspiracy

US prosecutors have filed new torture conspiracy charges against former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, expanding an existing drug trafficking case ahead of their scheduled trial in 2027.

The updated indictment, filed Thursday in Manhattan federal court, accuses Maduro, 63, and Flores, 69, of participating in a campaign of torture and political repression targeting opponents and American citizens.

The couple was captured during a US military operation in Caracas on January 3, ordered by President Donald Trump, before being transferred to New York to face criminal charges.

Prosecutors allege that Maduro, Flores and senior Venezuelan officials used violence, intimidation and torture to maintain political control. The indictment describes alleged abuses involving nine victims, including three US citizens.

If convicted on all charges, both defendants face mandatory minimum prison sentences of 50 years.

Maduro and Flores previously pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges but have not entered pleas to the new allegations. Their attorneys denied the accusations and said they intend to challenge the government's case.

According to prosecutors, Venezuelan authorities systematically detained and abused perceived political opponents between 1999 and 2025.

One allegation involves a military officer arrested in 2013 over suspicions of plotting against Maduro. Investigators claim the officer was subjected to repeated electric shocks and suspended by his limbs during interrogation.

Another incident allegedly occurred in 2022, when an American detained in Venezuela was beaten and electrocuted after being accused of planning Maduro's assassination.

Meanwhile, US District Judge Alvin Hellerstein rejected Flores' request for release on medical grounds.

Her lawyers argued that she requires a cardiac procedure and should recover at a secured private residence near New York City. Prosecutors opposed bail, citing flight risks, public safety concerns and possible witness intimidation.

Hellerstein ruled that the evidence against Flores appeared substantial and said her physical condition did not justify release.

Both defendants remain detained at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center.

The new charges come as Venezuela, now led by former Vice-President Delcy Rodriguez, strengthens cooperation with Washington following Maduro's removal from power.

The trial of Maduro and Flores is scheduled to begin on June 1, 2027.