NEW YORK: A New York court has denied a request for house arrest for Cilia Flores, the wife of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Her defense team had sought a change in the conditions of her confinement due to heart problems, CBS News reports.
Flores's attorney proposed releasing her on bail subject to strict conditions. The defense cited the 69-year-old defendant's health status and the need for a cardiac medical procedure. Lawyers had previously reported an episode of ventricular tachycardia, persistent chest pain and tightness, and significant weight loss.
Judge Henry Ricardo denied the release, noting Flores's access to substantial financial resources and the gravity of the charges against her.
"The evidence is strong—very strong," the judge stated after deciding to keep Flores in custody.
That same day, federal prosecutors filed an additional charge against Flores and Maduro for conspiracy to commit torture. Her defense team requested a postponement in entering a plea regarding the new count, as they had received the updated indictment only that morning. The court granted the request.
Flores and Maduro are also facing charges related to drug trafficking and weapons offenses. The couple previously pleaded not guilty to the initial charges. Their case is being heard in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, with the trial scheduled to begin on June 1, 2027. Previously, a federal grand jury in the Southern District of New York approved a superseding indictment against Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores. U.S. prosecutors charge them with conspiracy to commit torture and allege that the couple participated in a system of persecuting political opponents. The indictment cites the use of violence against detainees, including U.S. citizens. In addition to this new charge, Maduro and Flores had already been indicted on counts related to drug trafficking, weapons offenses, and so-called narco-terrorism. They have pleaded not guilty to the initial charges.
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