Venezuela's Maduro and wife plead not guilty to US torture charges - Reuters

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, appeared before a United States federal court to answer charges of torture. Both defendants entered pleas of not guilty when the case was opened.

U.S. prosecutors allege that Maduro directed senior officials to subject politicians and members of the military to torture after they were accused of plotting against his government. The indictment claims that the alleged abuse was part of a broader campaign to suppress dissent and consolidate power.

The charges are being pursued under U.S. statutes that permit the prosecution of individuals for acts of torture committed outside the United States, regardless of the perpetrators’ official status. The indictment cites specific instances in which the couple is said to have ordered or overseen the mistreatment of detainees.

In response, Maduro’s legal team argued that the defendants are entitled to a presumption of innocence and questioned the jurisdiction of a U.S. court over actions taken in Venezuela. The not‑guilty pleas indicate that the defense intends to contest the allegations in court.

The case is set to move forward with pre‑trial proceedings, and a trial date will be scheduled later. The outcome could have significant diplomatic repercussions, given the high‑profile nature of the defendants and the broader international focus on accountability for human‑rights violations.