Deposed Venezuelan Leader Maduro Pleads Not Guilty in New York Court
Deposed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, pleaded not guilty to torture charges in a New York court.
Venezuela's deposed leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, appeared before a New York federal court and pleaded not guilty to new charges of a torture conspiracy.
Court Hearing and Charges
Former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, appeared in court on Thursday and stated that they did not accept the new charges of a torture conspiracy. The US government had previously accused Maduro of narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and weapons offenses.
Capture Process and Detention
Maduro and Flores were captured during a US military raid conducted in January, brought to New York, and placed in detention. The couple is requesting the dismissal of the case on the grounds of sovereign immunity.
New Indictment and Allegations
In a new indictment prepared last week, prosecutors alleged that Maduro and Flores established a violent system of repression in which thousands of Venezuelans were killed, harassed, and tortured.
Statements in Court
Nicolas Maduro stated in court that he rejected the false charges and statements leveled against him, while Judge Alvin Hellerstein announced that the court entered a plea of not guilty. Flores also stated through an interpreter that she was not guilty.
Alleged Methods
According to the prosecution's allegations, the torture methods used included electric shock, asphyxiation, rape, forced nudity, and psychological torture. The US accuses Maduro of authorizing torture against specific individuals.
Trial Date and Defense
The couple's trial is scheduled for June 2027. Their lawyers argue that sovereign immunity protects them and that the US power used was unlawful.