Former Venezuelan first lady Cilia Flores has asked a U.S. judge to release her from jail and place her under home confinement while she awaits trial on drug trafficking charges.
Flores, the wife of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, says her heart condition has worsened during her time in custody. Her lawyers argue that she should receive medical care in a private residence rather than remain in a federal detention center.
The request came in court papers filed Wednesday. Flores’ lawyers, Mark Donnelly and Andres Sanchez, asked Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein to allow her to move to a home within the Manhattan federal court district.
Cilia Flores cites worsening heart condition
Flores, 69, has lived with mitral valve prolapse for years, according to her lawyers.
Her legal team says she has not received a monthly injection that she previously needed to manage the condition since her arrest.
Instead, they say doctors have prescribed several medications. Those include low-dose aspirin, a statin and diltiazem. Flores also has nitroglycerin available for chest pain.
Her lawyers say she has experienced other health problems during her incarceration. They claim she has suffered from reflux and gastritis. She has also lost two molars and more than 25 pounds, or about 11.3 kilograms.
Doctors have advised Flores to undergo cardiac catheterization, according to the defense. The procedure could lead to additional heart treatment.
Therefore, her lawyers say she needs a suitable environment if doctors perform further procedures.
Lawyers propose strict home confinement
Flores’ defense team has offered strict conditions to address concerns about her release.
Under their proposal, armed guards would monitor her around the clock. The residence would also have video surveillance.
In addition, Flores would only receive visitors approved by the court and federal prosecutors. Authorities would record her telephone calls, according to the filing.
The proposal would allow Flores to remain in the New York area while continuing to face the federal case.
However, the judge has not yet ruled on the request.
Federal prosecutors also have not filed a response. A spokesperson for the U.S. attorney’s office in Manhattan declined to comment.
Flores and Maduro deny drug trafficking charges
Flores and Maduro have remained in federal custody since January.
U.S. forces seized the couple from their home in Caracas and brought them to New York. Both have pleaded not guilty to charges alleging that they took part in a conspiracy to send cocaine into the United States.
Their trial is scheduled for June 2027 in Manhattan.
The couple has also challenged the indictment on separate grounds. Their lawyers argue that Flores and Maduro should receive immunity because of their former positions as first lady and head of state.
The court has yet to resolve those claims.
Lawyers acknowledge jail medical care
Despite seeking home confinement, Flores’ lawyers did not accuse jail medical staff of mistreating her.
In fact, they said staff members at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn have treated Flores and her husband respectfully.
The defense also acknowledged that Flores has received what it described as excellent care from medical professionals at the jail and hospital.
Nevertheless, the lawyers argue that medical care alone does not solve the problem.
They say a detention center cannot provide the right environment for Flores to recover if she undergoes a cardiac procedure.
Judge must decide Flores’ request
The latest filing now places Flores’ health at the center of her detention fight.
Her lawyers say strict monitoring could address security concerns while allowing her to receive treatment in a more suitable setting.
For now, however, Flores remains in custody.
The judge must decide whether her medical condition and proposed restrictions justify moving her from jail to home confinement while the criminal case continues.
