Politics · India Bureau
US indicts former Venezuelan leader Maduro on torture conspiracy charges
American federal prosecutors have charged Nicolas Maduro with authorising a systematic campaign of torture and violence against political opponents during his presidency. The indictment alleges thousands of Venezuelans were subjected to abuse including electric shocks and arbitrary detention under his government's direction.
LSN India ·
The United States has filed charges against Maduro, accusing him of orchestrating a widespread programme of persecution targeting his political rivals and critics. According to the indictment, the Venezuelan former president authorised torture, arbitrary detention and violence against opponents throughout his tenure in office.
Prosecutors allege that thousands of Venezuelans fell victim to systematic abuse carried out by individuals acting under orders from Maduro's government. The methods of torture documented in the indictment include electric shocks, severe beatings and asphyxiation, along with harassment, threats and unlawful detention of detainees.
The charges represent the latest in a series of legal actions taken by the United States against Maduro's administration. The Venezuelan opposition and international human rights organisations have long documented allegations of government-sponsored violence and repression, with investigations pointing to a pattern of abuse extending across multiple years.
Maduro has previously dismissed US charges against him as politically motivated persecution. The Venezuelan government has maintained that such allegations are unfounded and part of a broader campaign to undermine his administration.