Maduro Denies New Torture Charges in US Court

Venezuela’s former president Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have pleaded not guilty to new US charges accusing them of conspiring to commit torture. The couple appeared before a New York court on Thursday as their legal battle continues.

Couple Reject New Allegations

Maduro rejected the charges, describing the accusations and testimony against him as false. Judge Alvin Hellerstein interrupted his statement and entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf.

Flores also denied the allegations, telling the court through a translator that she was completely innocent.

Prosecutors Allege Systematic Repression

A new indictment alleges that Maduro and Flores created and maintained a system of repression in which thousands of Venezuelans were allegedly killed, harassed or tortured.

Prosecutors listed alleged methods including electric shocks, asphyxiation, rape, forced nudity, prolonged isolation, starvation and psychological abuse. The US government also alleges that Maduro authorised torture against specific individuals, including American citizens.

Couple Remains in US Custody

Maduro and Flores were captured during a US military raid in January and transferred to New York, where they remain detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.

The couple appeared in beige prison uniforms during Thursday’s hearing. Their trial is scheduled for June 2027.

Defence Challenges US Jurisdiction

Maduro, Flores and other defendants were previously accused of involvement in cocaine trafficking, narco-terrorism and weapons-related offences. The couple has pleaded not guilty to the allegations.

Their lawyers argue that Maduro, as the leader of a sovereign country, should be protected by sovereign immunity. They also contend that his capture by US forces was unlawful and have sought to have the case dismissed.

Flores Seeks Release on Bond

Flores previously asked a judge to release her on bond, citing heart problems and other health concerns while in detention. The request was unsuccessful.

Maduro has previously described the US prosecution as an attempt to advance its interests in Venezuela’s oil reserves, while American prosecutors maintain that the charges concern alleged criminal activity and human rights abuses.