Flores, 69, and Maduro, 63, have been held in New York City since being taken into custody following an operation at their residence in Caracas in early January. Both individuals have entered pleas of not guilty to the charges, which allege their involvement in a conspiracy to traffic cocaine into the United States. In a separate legal motion, the couple has also sought to have their indictment dismissed, asserting that they are entitled to immunity as a former head of state and first lady.
Medical Grounds for Release
In the court filing, attorneys Mark Donnelly and Andres Sanchez stated that Flores suffers from a mitral valve prolapse, a condition that has reportedly worsened since her incarceration. According to the defense, she has been unable to receive a necessary monthly injection for her heart ailment since her arrest. While the lawyers acknowledged that the staff at the Metropolitan Detention Center have been respectful and that Flores has received professional medical care, they argued that the facility is not equipped for the recovery process she requires.
The defense filing detailed that Flores has been prescribed various medications, including baby aspirin, statins, and nitroglycerin for chest pains, while also suffering from gastritis and significant weight loss. Her legal representatives noted that she has been advised by medical professionals to undergo cardiac catheterization. They argued that home confinement would provide a more suitable environment for her to recover from potential follow-up procedures.
Proposed Conditions and Legal Status
To address potential security concerns, the defense has proposed that Flores be moved to a residence within the Manhattan federal court district, where the trial is scheduled to commence next June. The lawyers outlined a strict monitoring plan, which would include 24-hour armed surveillance, video monitoring of the premises, and the recording of all telephone communications. Furthermore, they proposed that any visitors would be subject to approval by both the court and federal prosecutors.
As of now, the office of the US Attorney in Manhattan has declined to comment on the filing, and federal prosecutors have not yet submitted a formal response. Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein, who is presiding over the case, has not yet issued a ruling on the request for home confinement.
