U.S. Indictment Accuses Maduro, Flores of Torture

A newly unsealed U.S. indictment accuses former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, of conspiring to torture detainees, including U.S. citizens, as part of a system of repression aimed at maintaining power and suppressing political opponents. Prosecutors allege abuses including electric shocks, starvation, asphyxiation, sexual violence and prolonged isolation. The charges add to existing narcoterrorism, drug-trafficking and weapons allegations, which both defendants deny; they have been held in New York since their capture in a U.S. military operation in Caracas in January. Their lawyers are challenging the case, including on immunity grounds, while prosecutors argue the United States has not recognized Maduro as Venezuela’s leader since 2019. Flores is seeking release to house arrest, citing serious health problems, while prosecutors oppose her release, citing flight risk and danger to the public; the trial is scheduled for June 2027.