Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, pleaded not guilty on Thursday to new charges alleging they conspired to commit torture, including against U.S. citizens. The couple, who appeared in a New York federal courtroom, had previously been charged with narcoterrorism and drug trafficking. A superseding indictment added the torture-related charges last week, expanding the scope of the case against them.
Maduro and Flores were captured in a U.S. military raid in Caracas in January and have been held in detention in Brooklyn since then. Their trial is scheduled for June 14, 2027, according to court filings.
Core allegations and responses
The superseding indictment accuses Maduro and Flores of overseeing a "violent system of repression" that involved torture methods such as electric shock, asphyxiation, rape, forced nudity, prolonged isolation, starvation, and psychological torture. Prosecutors allege the couple authorized torture against specific individuals, including Americans, to maintain power. The indictment also claims Maduro personally recommended torture methods and received updates on victims’ treatment.
Maduro and Flores both denied the allegations during their court appearance. Maduro stated through a translator that he rejected the indictment entirely, calling the accusations "false." Flores similarly declared, "I am completely innocent. I am not guilty." Judge Alvin Hellerstein entered a not guilty plea on Maduro’s behalf after he refused to formally respond to the charges.
Legal arguments and immunity claims
Maduro’s legal team has argued that he is immune from prosecution because he was the leader of a sovereign nation. In a court filing last month, his attorneys asserted that the former president qualifies for sovereign immunity, a claim prosecutors have contested. The defense has also sought to have the case dismissed on these grounds.
The indictment details alleged torture incidents dating back to Maduro’s presidency, which began in 2013. One example cited involves a military officer, identified as "Victim-2," who was allegedly tortured with electric shocks, beatings, and psychological threats before being forced to record a false confession. Prosecutors claim Maduro oversaw such practices as part of a broader campaign to suppress political opposition.
Broader context and prior charges
Maduro and Flores were initially indicted in 2020 on charges of narcoterrorism, drug trafficking, and machine-gun possession. The new torture charges were added to these existing allegations, creating a consolidated case. The U.S. government has accused the couple of conspiring to flood the U.S. with cocaine and using violence to retain power in Venezuela.
Maduro has long denied wrongdoing, including allegations of crimes against humanity investigated by the International Criminal Court. His legal team maintains that the charges are politically motivated and that he acted within the scope of his official duties as president.
Court proceedings and next steps
During Thursday’s arraignment, Maduro wore a beige jail uniform and appeared to have lost weight during his detention. Flores was also present in matching attire. The couple is expected to remain in custody until their trial date in 2027. Their attorneys have indicated they will continue to challenge the charges, including on immunity grounds.
The case remains ongoing, with both sides preparing for a lengthy legal battle. The outcome could have significant implications for U.S.-Venezuela relations and the broader accountability efforts for alleged human rights abuses under Maduro’s regime.