From Malay Mail · · 1m 10s
US Weighs Torture Charges Against Maduro and Wife
US prosecutors prepare new torture charges against Venezuela's ex-president and wife for alleged US citizen abuse.
In brief
US prosecutors prepare new torture charges against Venezuela's ex-president and wife for alleged US citizen abuse. US prosecutors plan to charge Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores with torture for allegedly holding Americans in Venezuela during Maduro's rule. Originally reported by Malay Mail.
US Weighs Torture Charges
US prosecutors are expected to bring new charges against ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores over alleged torture of Americans.
“US prosecutors are preparing new torture charges against Venezuela's former president Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores for allegedly torturing US citizens”
Already Facing Charges
Maduro and Flores both already face drug trafficking and firearms charges after being snatched from their Caracas compound in a US military raid in January.
“Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores both already face drug trafficking and firearms charges in the United States after they were snatched from their Caracas compound in an extraordinary US military raid in January”
New Torture Charges
Prosecutors are considering new charges for alleged wrongful detention of over a dozen US citizens during Maduro's rule.
“the new torture charges relate to the alleged wrongful detention of over a dozen US citizens in Venezuela during Maduro’s rule”
Potential Additional Charges
Prosecutors may charge several others for their alleged role in torturing Americans.
“The report said prosecutors are also considering charging several other people for their alleged role in torturing Americans”
Trial Date
Maduro and Flores are scheduled for a New York trial next June while detained in Brooklyn jail.
“Maduro and Flores are slated for a trial in New York next June and are currently being held in a Brooklyn jail”
Legal Defenses
Maduro denies 'narco-terrorism' and cocaine smuggling claims while Flores pleads not guilty and seeks house arrest due to health issues.
“Maduro has denied the four counts he faces: 'narco-terrorism' conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices as well as conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices. Flores has similarly pleaded not guilty to the three counts she faces: cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices. She is due in court tomorrow for a hearing on her request to be moved from custody to house arrest due to apparent heart problems”
The big picture
US prosecutors plan to charge Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores with torture for allegedly holding Americans in Venezuela during Maduro's rule.
