Maduro faces possible new US charges over alleged torture of Americans

Yesterday 13:57

By: Azzat Manal

Maduro faces possible new US charges over alleged torture of Americans

Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are expected to face new criminal charges in the United States over allegations that American citizens were tortured while being held in Venezuelan government custody, according to US officials and people familiar with the investigation.

The additional charges could be announced as early as Thursday by federal prosecutors in New York. The investigation reportedly concerns the detention of more than a dozen US citizens in Venezuelan prisons during Maduro’s time in power, with investigators also considering charges against other individuals allegedly involved in the abuse.

The allegations would significantly expand the criminal case already facing Maduro and Flores in the United States. Both were brought to New York earlier this year after being captured in Caracas and are already facing charges related to drug trafficking and other alleged offenses. They have pleaded not guilty.

US authorities have previously accused the Venezuelan government of wrongfully detaining American citizens, some of whom were held for extended periods. Washington has said such detentions were used as a source of political and diplomatic leverage.

The new investigation focuses specifically on allegations of torture and mistreatment inside Venezuelan detention facilities. Prosecutors are also examining whether additional former Venezuelan officials or other individuals should face charges for their alleged roles in the reported abuses.

The developments add another layer to the already contentious legal and diplomatic dispute between Washington and Caracas. Maduro’s defense team is expected to challenge the allegations as the proceedings move forward, while US prosecutors continue building their case.

The possible new charges come as Maduro and Flores remain detained in New York while their existing criminal case proceeds. The couple’s legal proceedings are expected to remain closely watched because of the broader political and diplomatic implications of the US prosecution.

If formally filed, the new allegations would place the treatment of American detainees at the center of the case and could expose additional details about detention practices under Maduro’s government. However, the allegations remain matters for the courts to determine, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.