Maduro denies torture charges at New York court hearing

Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro appeared in a New York court on Thursday to face serious criminal charges. He and his wife, Cilia Flores, were brought in wearing jail uniforms. Maduro had chains around his ankles.

The charges include leading a government campaign that tortured many people, including three Americans. Prosecutors say the methods used included electric shock, starvation, and rape.

When the judge asked Maduro to enter a plea, he refused twice. He said the accusations were false. Judge Alvin Hellerstein then entered a not-guilty plea for both Maduro and Flores.