Lauge Risom Koch 
Cilia Flores, the imprisoned wife of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, has requested house arrest in the United States to treat a cardiac condition.
The wife of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro formally requested a transfer from prison to house arrest. According to Digi24, Cilia Flores cited severe heart problems and the need for specialized medical investigations. She currently resides in a Brooklyn jail while facing federal indictments for drug trafficking.
Her legal representation submitted documentation detailing her recent physical decline. As reported by Digi24, attorney Mark Donnelly stated that before her capture, Flores “was healthy and was not taking any long-term treatment, except for a monthly injection.” The lawyer submitted this health assessment in a legal document dated Wednesday.
The defense team claims her current cardiac condition requires extensive medical intervention. According to Digi24, she needs coronary exploration and potential surgical procedures to address the issue. Donnelly argues that her current detention conditions prevent her from receiving this necessary medical care properly.
Proposed strict confinement conditions
The defense proposed a highly regulated alternative to her current prison environment. As noted by Digi24, her lawyer demanded she be placed under an extremely strict house arrest regime. This proposed residential confinement would take place entirely within the United States.
This alternative detention plan includes multiple layers of security to monitor her presence. According to Digi24, the arrangement requires continuous 24-hour physical surveillance of the premises. Authorities would also equip Flores with an electronic monitoring bracelet to track her movements.
Legal counsel suggested additional administrative measures to secure the transfer. As highlighted by Digi24, the proposal includes the immediate confiscation of her passport. These combined restrictions aim to eliminate any potential flight risk during her medical treatment.
Capture and drug trafficking allegations
American forces apprehended the former Venezuelan leader and his wife earlier this year. According to Digi24, the couple was captured during a special operation in Caracas on January 3. The 63-year-old Nicolas Maduro and Flores were subsequently transferred to American custody.
The federal indictment against the couple centers on massive international narcotics smuggling operations. As reported by Digi24, prosecutors accuse them of helping to send tons of cocaine to the United States. These charges form the basis of their ongoing incarceration in the federal prison system.
Both defendants vehemently deny the criminal allegations brought against them. According to Digi24, they maintain their innocence regarding the international trafficking network. Maduro actively rejects the legal process, claiming instead to be a “prisoner of war” of the United States.
