Former First Lady Seeks Release Over Health | Charlotte News

Cilia Flores, Venezuela’s former first lady and wife of ex-President Nicolás Maduro, is pleading for release from Brooklyn jail ahead of her June trial on drug trafficking charges, citing a deteriorating heart condition that demands urgent medical care — including potential cardiac procedures — which she says can’t be safely managed behind bars. Her legal team proposes strict home confinement within Manhattan’s federal court district, complete with 24/7 armed surveillance, vetted visitors, video monitoring, and recorded calls. At 69, Flores suffers from mitral valve prolapse and claims she’s been denied proper treatment since arrest, experiencing weight loss and dental problems while only receiving basic meds. Though jail staff have been respectful, her lawyers argue the facility isn’t suited for her recovery. Prosecutors haven’t responded, and the judge hasn’t ruled. Both Flores and Maduro, arrested in January, remain defiant, pledging not guilty and seeking to dismiss charges based on immunity as former heads of state. The case looms as a high-stakes legal and health drama with trial just months away. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/b6859bc2cec226d5