Cilia Flores, wife of the deposed president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, requested on Wednesday permission from the New York judicial system to await trial against herself and against Maduro outside of prison, due to heart problems.
Flores, who is wanted by United States authorities, faces charges related to drug trafficking and allegedly also participated in corruption activities. Her defense argues that her health condition does not allow her to remain detained while awaiting trial.
The house arrest request comes at a time when Maduro was detained by the United States and transferred to a high-security prison in Colorado. American authorities accuse Maduro of involvement in drug trafficking and ties to armed groups in Venezuela.
Cilia Flores reportedly went to the New York court to present medical documentation proving her heart problems, thus trying to obtain conditional freedom until her case is tried. Her status as wife of the deposed Venezuelan leader makes her a central figure in the judicial process taking place in the United States.
