Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have pleaded not guilty to new United States (SA) charges accusing them of conspiring to torture political opponents.
The pair appeared in federal court in New York, as prosecutors expanded an existing drug-trafficking case to include allegations of a state-sponsored campaign of torture and repression.The indictment alleges Maduro directed the abuse of opposition politicians and military personnel suspected of plotting against him, including American citizens.
Flores is accused of helping to facilitate that campaign. They are not accused of personally carrying out any acts.
Meanwhile protesters demanded justice for Venezuela as they accused the governments of Hugo Chavez, Maduro and Delcy Rodriguez of perpetuating dictatorship.
–SABC–
