World News
Nicolás Maduro's wife asks court for house arrest citing medical issues
Lawyers for Cilia Flores cite heart problems while prosecutors oppose bail over flight risk concerns.
The short version
- Attorneys for Cilia Flores, wife of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, asked a U.S. judge to release her from jail into 24-hour guarded house arrest.[The Guardian · ABC News]
- Flores's defense argues that Brooklyn detention cannot treat her deteriorating health, citing weight loss, heart issues, and a possible mild heart attack.[The Guardian · ABC News]
- Federal prosecutors oppose bail, contending she presents an extreme flight risk and danger to the public while receiving outside medical treatment when necessary.[The Guardian · ABC News]
- Both Flores and Maduro face potential life sentences on drug conspiracy charges, which their legal team has separately moved to dismiss under immunity claims.[The Guardian · ABC News]
Key facts
- Cilia Flores and Nicolás Maduro were taken into U.S. custody during a January raid on their home in Caracas.[The Guardian · ABC News]
- Both defendants pleaded not guilty to charges of participating in a conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States, an offense that carries potential life sentences.[The Guardian · ABC News]
- Defense attorneys asked for Flores to be transferred to 24-hour guarded house arrest in New York, stating she has lost 25 pounds, suffers from shortness of breath, and may need heart surgery.[The Guardian · ABC News]
- Federal prosecutors opposed bail, arguing Flores represents an extreme danger to the public and flight risk, while noting she has been escorted to a hospital when medical care was needed.[The Guardian · ABC News]
- Defense counsel has separately petitioned the court to dismiss the indictment on head-of-state and first lady immunity grounds.[The Guardian · ABC News]
What remains uncertain
- Whether the court will grant bail or consider house arrest adequate to address her medical conditions and flight concerns.[The Guardian · ABC News]
- Whether Flores suffered a minor heart attack in July or will require heart surgery as claimed by her defense team.[The Guardian · ABC News]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.