New torture charges

Federal prosecutors in Manhattan filed a superseding indictment on Thursday, 8 October 2026, that adds conspiracy to commit torture to the existing case against Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. The couple already face drug trafficking charges and have pleaded not guilty. According to the filing, the alleged torture was used to "intimidate, harass, and neutralize their opponents, including through kidnappings." Prosecutors describe nine cases of abuse against people held in Caracas, including kidnappings, physical violence, threats against prisoners and their families, and forced humiliation. The indictment also says some of the torture was recorded and that Maduro and Flores in some cases personally gave orders to interrogators. Prosecutors argue that Flores was not a passive observer but helped build the system of repression.

The cases cited

One case concerns 2013, when Maduro ordered the arrest of a Venezuelan military officer he suspected of planning a coup. Prosecutors say intelligence officers shocked the officer with live wires about 20 times, bound his hands and feet, and suspended him for several minutes. A second case dates to 2022, when an American detained on arrival in Venezuela was accused of plotting to assassinate Maduro. The filing says he was beaten by counterintelligence officers and given electric shocks to his arms, legs and genitals. Another American, detained in 2025, was reportedly beaten for two days. RMF24 reports that a further American was detained during a visit to family in Venezuela and then used, according to prosecutors, in negotiations over a prisoner exchange with the United States. Maduro's defense did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Bail refused for Flores

On Thursday, Judge Alvin Hellerstein rejected a request from Flores, 69, to be moved from the Brooklyn detention center to a home in the New York City area with round-the-clock private security. Her lawyers said she needs a cardiac procedure and can recover better outside jail, and that she is not a danger to the community. They proposed that Venezuela's government, which the United States had authorized to pay the couple's legal fees, would cover the costs. Prosecutors said Flores receives adequate medical care and poses an "extreme" risk of flight, including possible witness intimidation. The judge said he received Flores's assurances that she would not flee with "a great deal of skepticism." Hellerstein's decision does not affect the trial or any eventual punishment.

“With all the money at stake and all the contacts Mrs Flores has with the Government of Venezuela and the people who make it up, the risk is serious.”

Reactions and trial

Attorney General Todd Blanche posted on X about the new charges.

“These additional charges reflect the dedication of this Administration to delivering justice for the victims of torture, narcoterrorism, and organized crime.”

Jamie McDonald, a federal prosecutor in New York, said the office would pursue justice for victims of violent crime abroad.

“We will not stop at anything to obtain justice for the victims of violent crime, particularly American victims who have suffered appalling treatment abroad.”

Maduro has described himself as a "prisoner of war" and said the US military kidnapped him. He contests the legality of the prosecution by citing his immunity as a head of state. Trial is scheduled to begin on 1 June 2027 in New York. Reuters reports a mandatory minimum 40-year sentence for Flores if convicted, while NOS, citing Reuters, gives 50 years. RMF24 reports the new charges carry up to 20 years, and life imprisonment if torture led to victims' deaths. Venezuela is now led by Delcy Rodriguez, Maduro's former vice president, who has increased cooperation with Washington since the January raid ended Maduro's 13 years in power.