Nicolás Maduro, Cilia Flores face new charges over torture of US citizens

Cilia Flores: Cilia Flores, also known as the first lady of Venezuela, has been a prominent political figure and close advisor to Nicolás Maduro for decades, influencing judicial and legislative matters in the country. She was captured alongside Maduro in a US operation in January 2026 and has been held in US custody facing related charges. The latest development involves new criminal charges against her and Maduro concerning the alleged torture of US citizens in Venezuelan detention. Nicolás Maduro: Nicolás Maduro served as president of Venezuela until his capture by US forces in early 2026. He has been a central figure in the country's Chavista political movement and faced ongoing legal challenges from the United States related to his leadership. In the current news, he and his wife are facing an expanded US indictment including new charges over alleged torture of American citizens detained in Venezuela. Legal Developments: US prosecutors in New York are expanding charges against Maduro and Flores to include conspiracy to commit torture tied to the detention of American citizens in Venezuela. Detention and Trial: Maduro and Flores remain in custody in New York ahead of a scheduled June 2027 trial on existing drug-related charges while facing the additional allegations.