US Court Sets Oct 15 for Maduro Indictment

The Russian news agency Novosti reported that a federal court in New York has set Thursday as the date for a new indictment hearing involving detained Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The session is scheduled to take place on October 15, 2026, at 11:00 AM New York time, which corresponds to 6:00 PM Moscow time.

According to judicial documents obtained by the agency, the proceedings fall under case number "S5 11 Cr. 205." Earlier this month, US authorities charged Maduro and Flores with conspiracy to torture detainees, including American citizens.

Background of Detention and Charges

On January 3, 2026, US forces conducted a large-scale military operation in Venezuela. American authorities announced the arrest of Maduro and Flores, transporting them to New York on allegations of involvement in "drug-related terrorism."

Both defendants appeared before the Federal Court for the Southern District of New York, where they fully denied the charges against them. Maduro accused Washington of removing him from power to seize control of Venezuela's oil wealth.

Political Shifts Since Arrest

Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has managed Venezuela's affairs since Maduro's detention. She strengthened cooperation with the Trump administration, leading to an unprecedented agreement granting the United States control over approximately one-fifth of Venezuela's oil reserves.