US court adds torture-related charges against former Venezuelan president and his wife

Washington, Oct 8 (KUNA) – The U.S. Department of Justice announced on Thursday the filing of additional charges against former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, who have been detained in the United States since January, for “conspiracy to commit torture.” In a statement, the department said the charges were brought under an amended indictment unsealed today alleging conspiracy to commit torture, in addition to the prior charges against them related to “drug trafficking, cocaine smuggling, and weapons trafficking.” U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche stated, “Since the arrest of Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, the Department of Justice has been working to uncover the full scope of the alleged crimes they committed against the Venezuelan people and the people of the United States.” Blanche added, “These additional charges against the Maduro family reflect this administration’s commitment to securing justice for the victims of torture, drug trafficking, and organized crime.” (End) Ras R / A S