US Prosecutors Prepare New Torture Charges Against Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores

Prosecutors in New York are expected to bring new criminal charges against former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, over the alleged torture of Americans wrongfully held in Venezuelan government custody. NEW YORK, United States, Oct. 7, 2026

In details made available to Shemnews, multiple sources briefed on the investigation indicated that the new allegations stem from the mistreatment of more than a dozen US citizens during Maduro's regime. Investigators have also discussed bringing charges against several additional individuals for their roles in the alleged torture.

Key details of the impending charges and ongoing legal proceedings include:

Impending Announcement: An official announcement regarding the new charges could be made as early as Thursday. Allegations of Brutality: Several Americans have publicly spoken out about their brutal imprisonment.

Matthew Heath, a US Marine veteran, and Osman Khan, who were freed in an October 2022 prisoner swap, alleged in a lawsuit that they were subjected to waterboarding, electrocution, threats of sexual assault, and periods of solitary confinement. Heath attempted suicide while detained.

The "CITGO 6": A group of six American oil executives lured to Venezuela in 2017 and held for nearly five years also alleged they were tortured. A United Nations report found that the facility where they were held—the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence (DGCIM)—routinely resorted to electric shocks, suffocation, and extreme temperatures to extract confessions and punish detainees.

Current Legal Status: Maduro and Flores were captured by the US military from their homes in Caracas in January. They have pleaded not guilty to narcoterrorism conspiracy and drug trafficking charges and are currently held without bail in New York. Flores is expected to appear at a hearing on Thursday to request a transfer to house arrest ahead of the trial.

Immunity Dispute: Maduro’s defense lawyer is challenging the legality of the arrest, arguing the former president should have immunity because the alleged conduct occurred while he was in office. However, prosecutors note that the Venezuelan government is not claiming immunity on his behalf.

By Evan Perez, Hannah Rabinowitz, Kara Scannell, and Jennifer Hansler | Shemnews