Ousted Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores have rejected new U.S. allegations accusing them of overseeing a system of torture against political opponents in Venezuela. Appearing before a federal court in New York, both called the charges unfounded and entered not guilty pleas. The trial is scheduled to begin on June 14, 2027.
On Thursday, October 15, 2026, Maduro and Flores appeared before the court. This new indictment broadens the case in which the couple already faces charges related to drug trafficking and weapons offenses.
U.S. prosecutors allege that Venezuelan officials used violence to intimidate and silence regime opponents. Both Maduro and Flores firmly deny these claims. The court will ultimately determine their guilt or innocence.
Prosecutors Allege Torture of Political Opponents
According to the new indictment, Maduro and Flores are accused of supporting or directing a repressive system that allegedly included the torture of prisoners and individuals suspected of opposition activities.
The court documents reference various alleged forms of violence, including beatings, electric shocks, suffocation, and psychological intimidation. Among the victims, three U.S. citizens have been named.
Prosecutors claim these practices were intended to extract information, intimidate dissenters, and maintain political control. The indictment also states that other Venezuelan security officials participated in planning and implementing these repressive methods.
Before the court, Maduro maintained that the allegations are false, while Flores also declared her innocence. Neither is accused of personally committing acts of torture; rather, the prosecution alleges they played a managerial or supportive role in the operations.
Trial Set for June Next Year
Judge Alvin Hellerstein has scheduled the start of the trial for June 14, 2027. The date was postponed by two weeks to give attorneys additional time to prepare for the expanded charges.
The defense has indicated it will challenge the legal basis for the prosecution. One key question is immunities invoked by Maduro, referencing his status as a former head of state. Additionally, the defense disputes the legality of his arrest by U.S. forces. The court will have to rule on these objections.
According to Reuters, if convicted on the new charges, Maduro and Flores face a mandatory minimum sentence of 50 years in prison. The final sentence will depend on the outcome of the proceedings and the court’s decision.
Maduro Arrested in U.S. Operation in Venezuela
U.S. forces captured Maduro and Flores in January 2026 during a nighttime operation in Caracas. They were then transferred to the United States, where they remain in custody in Brooklyn.
The operation sparked international debate about the legality of using military force in a sovereign country and the status of the detained former president. The U.S. administration defended the operation as a criminal justice action, while Maduro described it as an abduction.
More on the circumstances of the arrest can be found in our article about the U.S. announcement following the operation in Venezuela regarding Maduro’s detention and temporary political control over the country.
Case May Have Broad International Implications
The upcoming trial will address not only the new torture allegations but also broader questions about the accountability of state officials for the actions of security forces. Key issues will include evidence, witness testimony, and determining the extent of the defendants’ responsibility for specific acts.
Human rights organizations had previously raised concerns about political repression in Venezuela during Maduro’s presidency. But the specific allegations now brought in the U.S. indictment will be assessed during court proceedings.
This case remains a significant legal dispute involving former Venezuelan leadership. The next steps will be preliminary hearings, where the court will also consider the defense’s objections.
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This article was translated from the original Slovak version with the assistance of AI.
