Maduro Rejects Torture Charges in New York, Pleads Not Guilty

Former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro rejected new American charges against him on Thursday, including conspiracy to torture detainees in Venezuela, among them US citizens, describing them as "false accusations" during his appearance before a federal court in New York.

Maduro (63 years old), during a procedural hearing, stated that he rejects the charges contained in the amended indictment, adding: "I reject this document in its entirety, with all its false accusations and false testimonies," according to Bloomberg.

Judge Alvin Hellerstein entered a plea of not guilty for Maduro on his behalf after the former president did not directly answer the judge's questions regarding his stance on the charges.

For her part, Maduro's wife, Cilia Flores (69 years old), declared herself innocent of the charges, stating she is "completely innocent."

The New York prosecution had submitted an amended indictment last week, adding new criminal charges to the previous allegations against Maduro and Flores.

The indictment accused the pair of conspiring to torture nine people, including three US citizens.

If convicted, Maduro and his wife could face life imprisonment, according to Bloomberg. The new charges represent the first addition to the case since their arrest in Venezuela during a US military operation last January.

The prosecution alleges that Maduro and Flores used violence, threats, torture, and unlawful detention against individuals considered opponents, aiming to maintain their power amid a severe economic crisis and internal unrest.

In addition to the charge of conspiracy to torture detainees, prosecutors expanded the terrorism and drug-related conspiracy charge, which was previously directed solely at Maduro, to include his wife as well.

Prior Charges and Trial Date

Following their arrest, the prosecution accused Maduro and Flores of exploiting their government positions to conspire for financial gain and to assist in transporting cocaine to the United States. They also face charges of possessing machine guns, and both have pleaded not guilty to all charges brought against them.

Maduro also argued that he enjoys immunity from prosecution as a former head of state of a sovereign nation.

Their trial is scheduled to begin next June, while they remain detained until then in a federal prison in Brooklyn, which has been criticized by judges and defense attorneys due to poor detention conditions.

Judge Hellerstein last week denied a request by Flores for release and house arrest, at a time when concerns were raised about the prison authorities' ability to adequately meet her health needs.

Flores' lawyer stated during a bail hearing that she may require heart surgery.