From NPR · · 2m
U.S. adds torture charges against Maduro
Venezuelan leader and wife face new allegations of systematic abuse alongside existing drug trafficking charges.
In brief
Venezuelan leader and wife face new allegations of systematic abuse alongside existing drug trafficking charges. U.S. authorities added torture charges to their case against former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, alleging they orchestrated systematic abuse including electric shocks and…
New torture charges filed
U.S. authorities added torture charges Thursday against former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, escalating pressure on the ousted leader already facing drug trafficking allegations.
What the indictment alleges
The updated indictment alleges Maduro and Flores orchestrated systematic torture including electric shocks, beatings and asphyxiation to maintain power. Maduro allegedly signed off on torture methods and watched videos of forced confessions.
“This is the epitome of corruption.”
Flores' role in the system
Cilia Flores, a former legislator and attorney general, helped develop the repressive system and ordered torture of specific people, the indictment contends. She has been imprisoned in New York since early January.
Thousands of victims alleged
U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald said thousands of Venezuelans and some Americans were tortured to ensure Maduro and Flores held onto power. The couple face potential life sentences if convicted.
“This is the epitome of corruption.”
American victims named
Three alleged torture victims are described as U.S. citizens. One was punched, subjected to electric shocks and forced to eat his own vomit during eight months of imprisonment, the indictment says.
Matthew Heath's case
Former U.S. Marine corporal Matthew Heath from Tennessee was arrested at a roadblock in Venezuela in 2020 and held for more than two years. In May, Heath won a three hundred million dollar default judgment against Maduro.
“It's incredible to see a dictator in court.”
Flores denied bail request
Cilia Flores' lawyers argued she has medical problems including possible heart issues and has lost twenty five pounds in jail. U.S. District Court Judge Alvin Hellerstein denied her request for house arrest.
Maduro's capture disputed
Maduro served as Venezuela's president from two thousand thirteen until his capture in January. Trump's administration called the raid a surgical law enforcement operation, while Maduro called himself a prisoner of war.
International scrutiny continues
Maduro has been under investigation for years by the International Criminal Court over allegations of crimes against humanity tied to his crackdown on opponents. He has always denied any wrongdoing.
What it means
U.S. authorities added torture charges to their case against former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, alleging they orchestrated systematic abuse including electric shocks and beatings to maintain power.
