Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores de Maduro May Face New Charges Related to Alleged Torture of Americans

<p>Nicolás Maduro, the former president of Venezuela, and his wife, Cilia Flores de Maduro, could face new charges related to the alleged torture of Americans as prosecutors continue to contest their efforts to dismiss the criminal case against them.</p><p>The additional charges are anticipated to be announced in Manhattan federal court, according to reports from Fox News’ David Spunt and Jake Paronich.</p><p>U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald is scheduled to speak following a hearing at 10:30 a.m. that will address a request from Flores to be released from custody due to ongoing medical issues, including a heart condition.</p><p>The expected charges would add to an existing case that includes allegations of cocaine trafficking, narco-terrorism, and weapons offenses.</p><p>Both Maduro and Flores deny the allegations and have sought to dismiss the case based on claims of sovereign immunity.</p><p>Federal prosecutors have countered in a recent court filing, asserting that neither defendant is entitled to immunity and that the Venezuelan government has not claimed immunity on their behalf.</p><p>The U.S. has not recognized Maduro as Venezuela’s head of state since January 2019, according to the government. Prosecutors stated, "The defendants are former rogue officials of a formerly rogue state with no entitlement to immunity."</p><p>They further argued that foreign sovereign immunity is a matter of grace and comity from the U.S. and not a constitutional restriction.</p><p>Prosecutors also contended that the alleged cocaine trafficking, narco-terrorism, and weapons offenses were violations of the law rather than actions serving any legitimate government function.</p><p>Maduro’s legal team has argued that the court lacks jurisdiction because he is recognized as Venezuela’s head of state. Flores has filed a separate motion seeking dismissal on sovereign immunity grounds.</p><p>Maduro is also contesting the narco-terrorism conspiracy charge, asserting his denial of involvement in drug trafficking that would benefit groups allegedly engaged in terrorism and claiming that prosecutors have not met the necessary elements for the charge.</p><p>The government has countered that the prohibited drug activity had a connection to and intended effect on the United States.</p><p>Prosecutors allege that Maduro and other defendants were involved in cocaine trafficking that resulted in thousands of tons of cocaine being distributed to the U.S., which funded and supported violent terrorist organizations.</p><p>Meanwhile, Flores’ attorneys have suggested home confinement with GPS monitoring, armed surveillance, the surrender of her travel documents, and a court-approved third-party custodian as conditions for her release.</p><p>Her attorney noted that she was recovering from a complete hysterectomy prior to her arrest and was receiving monthly injections for mitral valve prolapse. She may now require cardiac catheterization, which could lead to more invasive heart procedures, according to her motion for release.</p><p>Flores’ defense also claims she poses no danger to the community and denies the allegations against her.</p>