New Charges Expected Against Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores Over Alleged Torture of Americans

Prosecutors in New York are preparing to file new charges against Nicolás Maduro, the former President of Venezuela, and his wife Cilia Flores, concerning the alleged torture of Americans detained in Venezuela. This announcement is anticipated as early as Thursday, according to sources familiar with the investigation.

The charges are linked to the wrongful detention of over a dozen U.S. citizens in Venezuelan prisons during Maduro's regime. Investigators are also considering charges against additional individuals involved in the alleged torture. Maduro and Flores were captured during a U.S. military operation in January and are currently held without bail in New York, having pleaded not guilty to narcoterrorism conspiracy and other charges.

Flores is expected to attend a hearing where her attorney will request a transfer to house arrest. Maduro's legal team is contesting the legality of his arrest, claiming he should have immunity due to his former presidential status, a claim not supported by the Venezuelan government. Reports indicate that detainees, including Matthew Heath and Osman Khan, have described severe torture methods used against them, while the United Nations has documented systematic torture practices employed by the Venezuelan military intelligence.