NEW YORK – U.S. federal prosecutors have opposed a request by Cilia Flores, wife of Nicolás Maduro, to await further court proceedings under house arrest in New York, arguing that she presents an “extreme risk of flight” and that the conditions proposed by her defense would not be sufficient to guarantee her appearance in court.
The arguments were submitted to a federal court in New York as Flores’ attorneys seek her provisional release from detention.
Prosecutors maintain that the proposed restrictions would not adequately address the risk that Flores could flee. The claims are arguments made by the prosecution and have not been adopted as findings by the judge.
Flores’ defense is asking that she be allowed to remain under house arrest in New York while the criminal proceedings continue. Her attorneys have also cited health-related considerations in support of the request.
U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein is scheduled to hold a hearing on the application on October 8. The scheduled date is for consideration of the request and does not necessarily mean that the judge will issue his decision that same day.
Until the court rules otherwise, Flores remains in custody.
The upcoming hearing will therefore determine whether the defense can persuade the court that restrictions associated with home confinement would be sufficient to ensure Flores’ continued participation in the proceedings.
For now, no judicial decision granting Flores provisional release or house arrest has been issued.