Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro and his wife charged over torture allegations
The new US charge adds to the existing drug trafficking case against Venezuela’s former president and first lady.

The new US charge adds to the existing drug trafficking case against Venezuela’s former president and first lady.


![Supporters of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado rally to demand her return to the country and immediate elections in Los Teques, Venezuela, on Sunday, September 27, 2026 [Pedro Mattey/AP Photo]](/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/AP26270667532092-1790559365.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)






Former Venezuelan leader was abducted by US forces during a military attack on Caracas in January.
Abducted Venezuelan leader’s post appears to show him in US detention, published two days after US-Venezuela oil deal.

US President Donald Trump has claimed the US and Venezuela have reached the ‘biggest oil deal in world history’.
Pact with Caracas would bolster US oil supplies for years to come, but may face legal challenges.
As detainees granted ‘alternative’ to imprisonment, US welcomes release as crucial step for Venezuela’s reconciliation.

After Maduro’s removal, US influence in Venezuela soared, but experts say Washington may still have to ‘own’ Venezuela.
Both countries have agreed on a plan to restore diplomatic relations cut off after a contested vote in 2024.
Report says 47 percent of physical damage from pair of earthquakes impacted residential buildings.
Former President Maduro pleads not guilty to drug charges; lawyer plans to challenge legality of US military operation.
The seismic disaster has stirred public anger against government mismanagement under Venezuela’s ruling socialist party.