Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores appeared before U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein in the Southern District of New York on Thursday, asserting their innocence against new charges of conspiracy to commit torture brought by federal prosecutors.
The couple entered the courtroom with shackles on their ankles, seemingly in good health, and greeted the judge in Spanish.
Through an interpreter, Maduro dismissed the indictment as "a collection of previously presented false allegations," rejecting it entirely. Judge Hellerstein interrupted to formally register a not guilty plea.
Flores was more straightforward, stating, "I am completely innocent, not guilty," before the court.
The recent charges, outlined in a 30-page superseding indictment filed on October 8, add to prior accusations of narcoterrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices.
Details of the Allegations
The indictment names nine victims—three of whom are U.S. citizens—and describes a repressive system allegedly in place for over 25 years, involving methods like electric shocks, suffocation, beatings, sexual assault, prolonged isolation, food deprivation, and threats against family members, including minors.
Maduro is accused of giving direct orders during interrogations, instructing to "Get more information out of them!" and suggesting specific techniques like "don't let them sleep or throw water on them," reportedly laughing after hearing accounts of the abuse.
Flores, as a former attorney general, is accused of helping design the repressive system and ordering torture to protect illegal activities of her family members.
Legal Proceedings and Future Steps
The superseding indictment also expanded the charge of conspiracy to commit narcoterrorism, previously solely against Maduro, to include Flores.
If convicted on all counts, both face mandatory minimum sentences totaling 50 years in prison.
The judge approved a joint request from the prosecution and defense to delay the trial's start to present pretrial motions. The trial is scheduled for June 14, 2027, with the next hearing set for December 17, where the defense's motions to dismiss the case will be reviewed.
Maduro and Flores have been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since their capture on January 3, 2026, during the U.S. military operation "Absolute Resolution" in Caracas.
Health and Security Concerns
A week prior to the hearing, Judge Hellerstein denied Flores's request for house arrest due to medical reasons—her lawyers cited heart issues and a weight loss of over 25 pounds—determining she posed an "extreme flight risk."
As he left the courtroom, Maduro waved his hand in farewell to the judge.
Former Venezuelan political prisoner Demóstenes Quijada described the hearing as "the consolidation of hope for many, tens of thousands who have been victims of aggression and torture by the dictatorship in Venezuela."
Key Questions About Maduro and Flores' Trial
What are the main charges against Maduro and Cilia Flores?
Maduro and Flores are charged with conspiracy to commit torture, narcoterrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices.
When is the trial for Maduro and Flores scheduled?
The trial is set to begin on June 14, 2027, following a decision to postpone for pretrial motions.
What are the potential penalties if they are convicted?
If found guilty on all charges, both Maduro and Flores could face mandatory minimum sentences totaling 50 years in prison.