Title: Americans, Venezuela Authorities File Lawsuit Against Nicolás Maduro
Miami, FL – Two former Americans, a former US marine and a Florida resident, have filed a lawsuit against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, accusing him of leading a vast criminal enterprise that has taken control of the state and uses US citizens as pawns in negotiations with the US.
Matthew Heath and Osman Khan, who were imprisoned in Venezuela, have filed a lawsuit under the federal Anti-Terrorism Act. This is not the first such lawsuit; others have led to significant victories for Americans imprisoned in Venezuela. The lawsuit alleges a pattern of torture by security officials under Maduro’s command, which is also being investigated by the International Criminal Court.
דםThe plaintiffs allege that they were subjected to torture such as simulated drowning, electrocution, threats of gang rape, mind-altering drugs, and repeated use of a tiny cell called "El Tigrito." They claim that this is part of Maduro’s systematic plan to force the US government to make political concessions, lift the oil embargo, and engage in prisoner exchange.
The lawsuit, which is 87 pages long, is the latest in a series of legal actions that have resulted in significant victories for Americans imprisoned in Venezuela. The Anti-Terrorism Act allows victims of foreign terrorist groups to seize the assets of their victimizers.
