Maduro and Flores Face New Torture Charges in US Court
On Thursday, a new criminal charge was filed against ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his spouse, Cilia Flores, in a superseding indictment at Manhattan federal court. This latest count accuses them of engaging in a conspiracy to commit torture, claiming they inflicted suffering on political adversaries and American citizens to maintain their grip on power in Venezuela. This charge is in addition to earlier drug-trafficking allegations. If found guilty, they could each face a minimum of 50 years in prison. In a separate matter, US District Judge Alvin Hellerstein denied Flores's plea for pre-trial release due to health issues. Both individuals are currently incarcerated in New York, with the case being prosecuted in the Southern District of New York.
Key facts
- Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores were charged with conspiracy to commit torture on Thursday.
- The charge was added via a superseding indictment in Manhattan federal court.
- They are accused of torturing political opponents and American citizens to stay in power.
- The new charge is in addition to previous drug-trafficking offences.
- If convicted, they face a mandatory minimum of 50 years in prison.
- US District Judge Alvin Hellerstein denied Flores's request for release due to health reasons.
- Both are jailed in New York.
- The case is in the Southern District of New York.
Entities
Artists
- Nicolas Maduro
- Cilia Flores
- Alvin Hellerstein
- Alvin K. Hellerstein
Institutions
- US Department of Justice
- Manhattan federal court
- Southern District of New York
- Manhattan US Attorney’s office
- US military
Locations
- Venezuela
- New York
- United States
- Manhattan
- Caracas