U.S. prosecutors are opposing a request by Cilia Flores, wife of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, to be released on bail, arguing that she poses an “extreme flight risk” and a danger to the public.
In a filing with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, prosecutors asked Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein to reject the defense request. They argued that Flores’ financial resources, international connections and the seriousness of the charges make it impossible for a financial bond to adequately guarantee her appearance in court. Prosecutors also alleged that people in her circle could intimidate or use violence against potential witnesses in Venezuela or abroad.
Flores’ lawyers had requested that she be moved from federal detention to a private residence in New York under house arrest, with 24-hour armed security, electronic monitoring and strict limits on visitors and communications. Her attorneyhave also argued that she requires medical care for a complex heart condition.
Flores and Maduro have pleaded not guilty to U.S. charges related to alleged cocaine trafficking and narcoterrorism. A federal judge has set their joint trial for June 1, 2027.
