Cilia Flores, wife of Nicolas Maduro, requests release from US custody citing health issues

Cilia Flores, the 69-year-old wife of Nicolas Maduro, has filed a legal petition for release from a Brooklyn federal detention center due to deteriorating health. Flores, who is facing charges in the United States related to drug trafficking, was taken into custody by U.S. military forces during an operation in Venezuela earlier this year.

According to her attorney, Mark Donnelly, Flores was in good health at the time of her arrest, requiring only a monthly injection. However, she has recently developed serious heart complications that necessitate coronary examination and potential surgery. The defense team argues that the current prison conditions are inadequate for her medical needs.

To facilitate proper treatment, the defense is requesting that Flores be transferred to a temporary residence within the United States. They have proposed a rigorous house arrest plan, which includes 24-hour armed security, the use of an electronic monitoring bracelet, and the surrender of her passport to ensure she remains in custody while receiving care.