Former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have pleaded not guilty to new charges in the United States accusing them of conspiring to torture political opponents and detainees, including American citizens.
The couple entered their pleas on Thursday, October 15, 2026, during a court appearance before US District Judge Alvin Hellerstein at a federal court in Manhattan, New York. The new allegations expand an existing criminal case involving alleged drug trafficking and weapons offences.
Maduro Rejects the Allegations
Maduro rejected the new indictment during the court proceedings, describing its contents as false accusations.
When asked to enter his plea, the former Venezuelan leader spoke through an interpreter and said he rejected the document in its entirety. The judge subsequently directed that a not-guilty plea be entered on his behalf.
Flores also denied the allegations, telling the court that she was completely innocent and not guilty.
Both defendants have maintained their innocence as they face the expanded charges. Their pleas mean the allegations remain to be tested through the US judicial process.
What the US Government Alleges
The new indictment, unsealed on October 8, accuses Maduro and Flores of participating in a conspiracy to commit torture as part of an alleged campaign to suppress political opposition and maintain their influence in Venezuela.
According to prosecutors, the alleged abuses involved Venezuelan officials who detained and mistreated people suspected of opposing the government. The indictment describes alleged methods including beatings, electric shocks, asphyxiation and other forms of physical and psychological abuse.
US prosecutors also allege that some American citizens held in Venezuelan custody were among the victims. The allegations form part of the government's broader case against the couple.
These claims are allegations in a criminal indictment and have not been established as facts in a trial. Maduro and Flores have denied wrongdoing.
New Charges Expand Existing Criminal Case
The torture allegations add to charges Maduro and Flores were already facing in the United States, including accusations related to narcoterrorism, cocaine importation and weapons offences.
The couple had previously pleaded not guilty to the earlier charges. Their lawyers have also challenged the prosecution, arguing that the case should be dismissed on grounds that include immunity relating to Maduro's former position as Venezuela's head of state.
The expanded indictment broadens the scope of the proceedings by adding allegations that prosecutors say involve the mistreatment of political opponents and detainees.
The defence is expected to contest the accusations as the case proceeds through the federal court system.
Trial Scheduled for 2027
The court has scheduled the couple's trial to begin on June 14, 2027, according to reporting by the Associated Press. The timetable gives prosecutors and defence lawyers additional months to prepare for proceedings involving the expanded allegations.
The case has drawn international attention because it concerns a former head of state and allegations of serious human rights abuses. It also raises legal questions about the prosecution of foreign officials in US courts and the limits of claims to official immunity.
For now, the proceedings remain at the pretrial stage. Prosecutors will need to prove their allegations in court, while Maduro and Flores retain the right to defend themselves against the charges.
International Attention on Venezuela
Maduro's removal from power and subsequent prosecution have placed Venezuela's political crisis under renewed international scrutiny.
The United States has accused the former leader and members of his administration of serious criminal conduct, while Maduro has rejected the allegations against him. The new torture charges add a human rights dimension to a case that previously focused heavily on alleged drug trafficking and weapons-related offences.
The court proceedings are expected to remain closely watched as both sides prepare for trial. The outcome could have implications for accountability, diplomatic immunity and the legal treatment of allegations of torture involving senior foreign officials.
Until a verdict is reached, the charges against Maduro and Flores remain allegations, and both have pleaded not guilty.
