The new torture indictment:
According to Manhattan US Attorney's Office superseding indictment, Maduro directed officials to torture opposition politicians and military personnel accused of plotting against him to maintain power during his 13-year rule. In 2014 meeting described in indictment, Maduro ordered kidnap of military personnel to draw information about possible dissidents.
Flores agreed with plan and dismissed alternative to infiltrate ranks, indictment says. Prosecutors say couple led repression system including arbitrary detentions and torture against opposition and US citizens, including proposing sleep deprivation and mocking prisoner testimonies.
They are not accused of personally carrying out torture, but of conspiring and directing. Defence lawyers say they deny torture charges as well as prior drug charges.
Drug trafficking case they already face:
Original 2020 charges expanded after capture: Maduro and Flores pleaded not guilty to abusing power to help drug traffickers ship cocaine, narco-terrorism, weapons offenses. Captured Jan 3-5 2026 at Miraflores Palace by US military operation ordered by President Donald Trump, flown via Downtown Manhattan Heliport to Daniel Patrick Moynihan courthouse, now held at Metropolitan Detention Center Brooklyn.
Operation reportedly killed over 100 people. Vice President Delcy Rodriguez now acting president of Venezuela. State Dept argues no immunity as US does not recognize Maduro as legitimate president since 2018 elections and crimes fall outside official functions.
Mafia-type sh*t in NYC? Why here:
Southern District of New York has long prosecuted narco-terrorism because cocaine shipments allegedly destined for US. Torture charges added under US Code allowing prosecution of torture conspiracy committed abroad by foreign officials against opponents, especially US citizens allegedly among victims. Mandatory minimum 50 years each if convicted on all charges, trial scheduled June 1 2027.
Defense attorney Barry Pollack says Maduro denies and will contest, raised immunity arguments. Judge Hellerstein rejected attempts to claim immunity so far.
What happens today:
11am EDT Oct 15 arraignment on torture conspiracy count which carries 20-year max per count alone. Court expected to ask for pleas. Media presence high. Verdict not today, just plea.
FAQ
Is Maduro in jail in New York today?
Yes. Held at MDC Brooklyn since January 2026 raid. Due in Manhattan federal court Oct 15 11am for arraignment on new torture charges.
What does "squeeze them harder" mean in indictment?
Prosecutors allege 2014 Maduro ordered officials to intensify torture of kidnapped military personnel who remained defiant and refused to give info on dissidents.
Did Cilia Flores participate in torture?
Indictment says Flores was in 2014 meeting, agreed with kidnap-torture plan, dismissed alternative. Not accused of personally torturing but of conspiracy.
When is Maduro trial?
Scheduled June 1, 2027 in Manhattan. Faces mandatory minimum 50 years if convicted on all narco-terrorism + torture counts. Lawyers say deny all charges.
Why is US prosecuting Venezuela's president?
US charges Maduro helped drug traffickers ship cocaine to US and used torture to maintain power. US does not recognize him as legitimate president, so claims no immunity.
Also read this: https://afterpostint.com/post/p-strong-hmas-leeuwin-hidden-camera-female-sailors-filmed-strong-p