Maduro’s wife seeks release from detention, citing ill health

Nicolas Maduro's wife, Cilia Flores, has been seeking release from her detention in New York and placement under house arrest, claiming she suffers from heart problems requiring medical attention. The 69-year-old was captured along with her husband, former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, during a US raid in Caracas in January on drug trafficking charges.

Despite being in good health before her arrest, Flores now requires a coronary angiogram or surgery, according to her attorney, Mark Donnelly. The couple is currently held in a federal jail in Brooklyn, awaiting trial, while Flores' defense argues that their detention conditions are inadequate for her medical needs. They are requesting house arrest with 24-hour armed surveillance, an electronic ankle monitor, and the confiscation of her passport.

Maduro, 63, and Flores face allegations of aiding in the smuggling of large quantities of cocaine into the US, charges they both deny. Maduro has even claimed in court that he is a prisoner of war held by the United States.