The Daily Journal.— Judge Alvin Hellerstein of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on Thursday denied a request from Cilia Flores, wife of deposed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, for release on bail and permission to await trial under house arrest in the United States.
Flores, 69, has remained at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn since U.S. forces captured and transferred her and Maduro on Jan. 3.
Her defense attorneys had requested house arrest, citing the delicate and progressively worsening condition of her heart health. They argued that prison conditions were hindering her medical recovery.
The judge found that Flores poses a “significant flight risk” and cited the seriousness of the case in explaining his decision during the hearing.
During the hearing, Flores appeared thinner than at her previous court appearances. She initially appeared smiling, although her expression later became more serious.
The judge issued his decision on the same day prosecutors filed a new indictment against Maduro and Flores, expanding the charges they face in the United States.
The new indictment charges them with conspiracy to commit torture against political opponents and people detained by Venezuelan authorities during Maduro’s government.
According to the indictment, Maduro authorized and oversaw a system of arbitrary detention, violence, and torture aimed at suppressing the opposition, while prosecutors allege that Flores participated in the scheme.
The indictment also states that the victims included at least three U.S. citizens detained in Venezuela, according to court documents.
The new conspiracy to commit torture charge adds to existing charges of conspiracy to import cocaine and possession of and conspiracy to possess weapons that both defendants already face. Maduro also previously faced a narcoterrorism charge, which prosecutors have now brought against Flores as well.
