The Daily Journal.- Federal Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York scheduled a hearing for October 8 to consider a bail request filed by Cilia Flores, Nicolás Maduro’s wife, who is seeking to remain under house arrest until her trial begins in June 2027.
The judge set the date in a court order issued Wednesday, September 16, NTN24 reported, after Flores’ defense attorneys and the U.S. government agreed on a timetable to submit their arguments.
Flores’ attorneys requested that the 69-year-old serve the remainder of her pretrial detention at a private residence in New York, subject to surveillance and restrictions on her movements.
The proposal includes 24-hour armed security, GPS monitoring, restricted visits, and monitored phone calls. The defense also offered to surrender Flores’ passport and have her cover the costs of her transfer.
In support of the request, her attorneys argue that the former Venezuelan first lady suffers from heart conditions that require specialized medical care and that her incarceration makes it difficult for her to access treatment.
According to the defense, Flores requires complex cardiac care and may need cardiac catheterization. Her attorneys have also said that her physical condition has deteriorated during her detention and that she has lost more than 11 kilograms (24 pounds).
Judge Hellerstein agreed to keep under seal the medical records that Flores’ attorneys submitted in support of the request.
At the October 8 hearing, the court will consider arguments from both sides before deciding whether to modify the conditions of Flores’ detention.
Her trial is scheduled to begin on June 1, 2027.
