US files new torture charges against Maduro, wife

On Thursday, the United States filed fresh torture allegations against former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his spouse, Cilia Flores. These charges come as part of an expanding legal case against the duo, who are currently held in U.S. custody following their apprehension in a highly unusual military operation in January.

Prior to this, Maduro and Flores had been indicted on drug trafficking and firearms offenses after their seizure from their residence in Caracas. A court document, released on Thursday, reveals that they are now additionally charged with conspiracy to commit torture. The charges state that Maduro and Flores "inflicted severe physical and mental pain and suffering" with the intent to "repress and punish political opposition, silence dissent and perceived dissent, preserve and protect the power and authority of the members of the conspiracy, and intimidate, harass, and neutralize their opponents, including through kidnappings."

The prosecution outlines specific instances of unidentified victims, including U.S. citizens, who were allegedly subjected to electric shocks, waterboarding, and beatings during their time in Venezuelan detention. Maduro and Flores are scheduled to face trial in New York next June and are presently incarcerated in a Brooklyn jail.