From ABC7 New York · · 1m 20s
Maduro and Wife Face Torture Charges
Former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and wife charged with torture conspiracy in U.S. federal court.
In brief
Former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and wife charged with torture conspiracy in U.S. federal court. Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores face new federal charges for allegedly torturing American citizens in Venezuelan prisons. Originally reported by ABC7 New York.
New Charges Unsealed
Federal prosecutors in New York unsealed new charges against ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores for alleged torture of Americans in Venezuelan prisons.
“Prosecutors allege Maduro "presided over this system of repression and torture."”
Torture Allegations
The indictment claims Maduro authorized torture against specific individuals and oversaw a system using torture, military detention, and violence against political opponents.
“When Maduro became President of Venezuela in or about 2013, he authorized the use of torture against specific individuals and oversaw a system designed to use torture, military detention, and violence as a means of repression against the political opposition”
Victim-8 Case
An American citizen identified as Victim-8 was allegedly tortured with electrocution, sexual assault, and pressure devices causing him to faint multiple times during transport.
“Venezuelan officers allegedly "electrocuted Victim-8's testicles and put a pressure device on his ankles, causing him to faint several times" during transport from the hospital to prison”
Victim-9 Case
Another American citizen, Victim-9, was beaten for two days causing permanent eye injury before being released on January 15, 2026, two weeks after Maduro's ouster.
“For two days they beat him with their fists to the face, head, and stomach approximately every half an hour. The beatings caused permanent injury to Victim-9's eye.”
Victim-7 Case
Victim-7 was detained in 2002 and tortured over two or three days including beatings, forced ingestion of noxious liquid, and electric shocks.
“Among other things, the officers punched him in the face and abdomen, covered his face and poured a noxious liquid over his face that caused him to vomit, which the officer then forced him to eat.”
Flores' Bail Request
Flores' defense attorney requested house arrest with private security to allow medical procedures, but federal prosecutors opposed her release citing witness testimony of torture involvement.
“Defense attorney Mark Donnelly said Flores needs a medical procedure and cannot recuperate in a jail cell.”
Next Steps
Maduro and Flores will be arraigned on the new charges after the judge denied their pretrial release on bail.
“Maduro and his wife will be arraigned on the new charges at a later date.”
The short version
Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores face new federal charges for allegedly torturing American citizens in Venezuelan prisons.
