Maduro and wife reject new torture charges in US court

Key points

• Maduro and Flores appeared in Manhattan federal court on Thursday to face new charges of conspiracy to commit torture.
• The new indictment alleges the couple created a violent repression system that killed and tortured thousands, including three Americans.
• Maduro refused to enter a plea, instead calling the charges 'false accusations,' prompting Judge Hellerstein to enter a not-guilty plea on his behalf.
• Flores stated through a translator that she is 'completely innocent' and not guilty.
• The trial date has been moved from June 1 to June 14, 2027, at the request of both legal teams.
• The couple remains detained in Brooklyn, having been captured in a US military raid in Caracas in January.

Background

This development follows the January 2026 capture of Maduro and Flores by US forces, leading to their detention in New York. Earlier this year, they pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking and narco-terrorism charges. In September 2026, former Venezuelan official Alex Saab pleaded guilty to money laundering in a separate US case, agreeing to cooperate with investigators. Maduro has faced international scrutiny for years, including an investigation by the International Criminal Court regarding crimes against humanity during his presidency from 2013 to 2026.

How outlets are covering it

All four sources confirm the not-guilty plea and the addition of torture charges. The BBC and Politico emphasize Maduro’s refusal to enter the plea, noting he was interrupted by the judge. The Guardian and ABC News provide more detail on the specific torture methods alleged, such as electric shock and asphyxiation, and note the inclusion of American victims. The BBC highlights the defendants' weight loss during detention, while The Guardian notes Maduro was shackled at the ankles. All sources agree on the sovereign immunity defense strategy and the rescheduling of the trial to June 2027.

Why it matters

The addition of torture charges significantly raises the stakes for Maduro’s trial, moving beyond drug trafficking to allegations of systematic human rights abuses. The case tests the limits of US jurisdiction over foreign heads of state and the validity of sovereign immunity claims in international law. The inclusion of American victims may influence public opinion and legal proceedings in the US. The outcome could set a precedent for prosecuting foreign leaders for domestic repression in American courts.

What to watch

The trial is now scheduled for June 14, 2027. Legal teams will continue to argue for dismissal based on sovereign immunity. Prosecutors will prepare evidence for the torture allegations, potentially including testimony from victims and cooperating witnesses. The case may also face challenges regarding the legality of the US military raid that captured Maduro.