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Maduro and Flores Face New US Torture Charges
US prosecutors may bring more charges against Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
The possible charges concern claims that Americans held in Venezuelan prisons were tortured or mistreated.
Officials say the new charges could be announced as soon as Thursday.
The reported number of Americans detained is more than a dozen.
Prosecutors have also discussed charging other people who may have been involved.
Maduro and Flores have pleaded not guilty to charges they already face in New York.
Reports differ about whether they were captured at the presidential palace or at their homes in Caracas.
Flores’ lawyer says her heart problems should be treated outside prison and has asked for house arrest.
US prosecutors are expected to bring new charges against former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, over alleged torture of Americans detained in Venezuela.
The charges could be announced as soon as Thursday, according to people familiar with the investigation and a US official.
Investigators are examining claims that more than a dozen US citizens were wrongfully detained and subjected to torture or other abuses.
Reports differ on where Maduro and Flores were captured in Caracas: one account says the presidential palace, while another says their homes; Reuters gives the date as January 3.
Maduro and Flores have pleaded not guilty to existing charges, including narcoterrorism conspiracy; Flores’ lawyer has also sought house arrest over reported heart problems.
- Who
- Former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores; prosecutors may also charge other alleged participants.
- What
- US prosecutors are expected to file new charges over the alleged torture and mistreatment of Americans detained in Venezuela.
- Where
- The case is being brought in New York and concerns alleged abuse in Venezuelan custody.
- When
- The charges could be announced as soon as Thursday; Reuters reported on October 7 that they were expected.
- Why
- Investigators are examining allegations that Americans detained during Maduro’s time in power were tortured or otherwise abused.
Prosecutors’ allegations
Defendants’ position
Alleged torture of detained Americans
Prosecutors’ allegations
US investigators are examining allegations that Americans held in Venezuelan custody were tortured or otherwise abused, and prosecutors are expected to bring new charges.
Defendants’ position
Maduro and Flores have pleaded not guilty to the charges they already face. Their lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the reported new charges.
Key facts
- Potential defendants
- Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores; prosecutors have discussed charges against additional individuals.
- Alleged victims
- More than a dozen American citizens were reportedly detained in Venezuelan prisons.
- Potential timing
- New charges could be announced as soon as Thursday.
- Existing case
- Maduro and Flores have pleaded not guilty to charges including narcoterrorism conspiracy.
- Custody
- They are being held without bail in New York.
- Flores’ health
- Her son-in-law described her heart condition as very delicate; her lawyer has sought house arrest, citing heart problems.
- Capture accounts
- One report says they were captured at the presidential palace in Caracas; Reuters says they were captured from their homes on January 3.
Sources
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