The United States has filed a superseding indictment that accuses former Venezuelan president [Nicolás Maduro](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicol%C3%A1s_Maduro) and his wife [Cilia Flores](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cilia_Flores) of conspiring to torture American citizens, while also placing a separate narco‑terrorism charge on Maduro. The charges stem from an investigation led by the [Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)](https://www.fbi.gov) and other federal agencies.
**What does the indictment allege?**
The complaint claims that more than a dozen U.S. nationals were subjected to severe mistreatment while in the custody of Venezuelan authorities, including being drugged, electrocuted and sexually assaulted. It further asserts that systematic violence was employed against detainees by the Venezuelan government.
**Who announced the charges and why?**
FBI Director Kash Patel posted on X that the indictment reflects the agency’s and the [Department of Justice (DOJ)](https://www.justice.gov)’s dedication to accountability, the rule of law, and the protection of U.S. national security.
**How does this relate to earlier proceedings?**
The new charges arrive months after Maduro and Flores were captured in Venezuela, extradited to the United States, and faced earlier drug‑related accusations. Both individuals have entered not‑guilty pleas to the narcotics allegations and remain in U.S. custody while awaiting trial.
**What is narco‑terrorism?**
Narco‑terrorism refers to violent acts carried out by drug‑trafficking organizations that aim to intimidate governments or populations to further illicit drug operations.
The indictment underscores ongoing diplomatic tension between Washington and Caracas and signals a heightened legal focus on human‑rights violations linked to the Venezuelan regime.