NEW YORK – Cilia Flores, wife of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, will remain in federal custody in Brooklyn after a judge rejected a defense request that she be transferred to house arrest while her criminal case proceeds.
The decision came during a hearing on Thursday, October 8, in federal court in New York, where Flores appeared as her attorneys sought a change in the conditions of her detention.
Her defense argued that Flores should be permitted to remain under house arrest because her health had deteriorated while in custody.
The judge denied the request, with concerns about the risk of flight playing a decisive role in the decision. Flores will therefore remain detained in Brooklyn as proceedings against her continue.
Courtroom sketches of Flores' appearance at the hearing, made by courtroom artist Jane Rosenberg, have since been released, providing a visual record of Thursday's proceedings.
The ruling concerns only the conditions under which Flores will be held while awaiting further proceedings. It does not constitute a finding of guilt in the criminal case against her.
Flores and Maduro are facing federal charges in New York. Both have pleaded not guilty to the charges against them, and the allegations will have to be proven by prosecutors in court.