Maduro, wife face new US charges over alleged torture of Americans

New York: Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, could face new US charges over allegations that Americans detained in Venezuela were tortured, a US official said.

The charges could be filed as early as Thursday. Details of the alleged torture and the victims have not been released.

Maduro and Flores were captured by the US military in Caracas on January 3 and taken to New York. Both have pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges and are due to stand trial from June 1, 2027.

Washington has previously accused Maduro's government of detaining Americans to pressure the US over sanctions. Five oil executives were freed in 2022 in a prisoner swap, while two former US Army Special Forces members detained in 2020 were released in 2023.

The possible new charges were first reported by CNN. The Manhattan US Attorney's Office declined to comment, while lawyers for Maduro and Flores did not immediately respond.

Flores is due in court on Thursday to seek release from jail on health grounds. Prosecutors oppose the request. Both she and Maduro are being held in a federal jail in Brooklyn.