New charges brought in the US against the former president of Venezuela and his wife
The US federal prosecutor's office has brought new charges against former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores for organizing torture. The investigation claims that violence against prisoners and political opponents was used to hold onto power in the country.
The Wall Street Journal and Axios reported this on October 8, citing materials from an updated indictment presented in a New York federal court.
According to the prosecution, Maduro and his wife were involved in a conspiracy to use torture against people whom Venezuelan authorities considered political opponents. Among the alleged victims were American citizens held in custody in Venezuela.
Investigators claim that the country's former leadership sanctioned arbitrary detentions, violence, and cruel treatment of prisoners. According to the indictment, such actions were part of a system of suppressing political opposition.
The case materials mention beatings, the use of electric shock, depriving prisoners of food, and threats against their relatives. The prosecution views these actions as elements of an organized system of repression, rather than separate violations by penitentiary staff.
New charges supplement the narco-terrorism case
Previously, Maduro and Flores had already been charged with international drug trafficking and narco-terrorism. American authorities believe that the former President of Venezuela participated in a criminal conspiracy aimed at supplying large quantities of cocaine to the United States.
Criminal prosecution of Maduro began back in 2020, when the US Department of Justice formally charged him with collaborating with drug traffickers and using state structures to facilitate drug trafficking.
In January 2026, American military forces carried out an operation in Caracas, during which Maduro and his wife were detained and taken to the United States. They were then placed in custody at a detention facility in Brooklyn.
Both defendants previously pleaded not guilty. Maduro also disputes the legality of the American operation that brought him under US court jurisdiction.
The current expansion of the indictment signifies that the US prosecution intends to seek accountability not only for alleged involvement in drug trafficking, but also for human rights violations during Maduro's time in power.
Maduro's wife seeks release from custody
Amid the new charges, Cilia Flores's lawyers are trying to obtain a change in the conditions of detention. The defense is requesting that she be placed under house arrest for health reasons.
In particular, the lawyers cite heart problems and the need for medical intervention. They propose to ensure supervision of the defendant outside the detention facility.
However, the prosecution opposes Flores's release, arguing that there is a risk of flight and a potential threat to witnesses in the case.
Maduro and his wife remain in custody. The trial in the main criminal case is scheduled for 2027.
If convicted on the cumulative charges, they could face life imprisonment. The final decision on guilt and possible punishment must be made by a US court.
Based on materials from: The Wall Street Journal, Axios, El País.
