Venezuelan lawmaker Nicolás Maduro Guerra, son of the former Venezuelan president detained in the United States, disclosed on Monday that his stepmother, Cilia Flores, suffers from a serious heart condition that he believes is incompatible with her prison conditions.
"She has a very delicate heart issue," Maduro Guerra stated to AFP, referring to a mitral valve prolapse, a condition that can lead to heart failure in severe cases.
Concerns Over Prison Conditions
Maduro Guerra pointed out that Flores is housed with forty other women at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn. "There are no conditions for her to fully recover after the necessary surgical intervention," he argued.
He noted that Flores's health issues worsened after her arrest. "She started experiencing blood pressure problems after January 3, something she had never suffered from before," he said, alluding to the U.S. military operation that led to their capture.
Respiratory Episode and Court Hearing
The lawmaker also revealed Flores endured a respiratory episode after authorities used pepper spray to manage a fight between inmates. "She is asthmatic. So... well, we hope something positive happens this week," he mentioned, referring to the upcoming court hearing scheduled for October 8 before federal judge Alvin K. Hellerstein of the Southern District of New York.
During the hearing, the court will review the defense's request for house arrest, citing a severe decline in Flores's health, including a weight loss of over 24 pounds, ventricular tachycardia episodes, arrhythmias, chest pain, and breathing difficulties. A stress test in April was halted due to chest pain, and in July, she reportedly had a significant chest pressure episode that external consultants did not rule out as a minor heart attack.
Defense Proposal and Prosecution's Opposition
The defense proposed a private residence in New York with 24-hour armed surveillance, GPS monitoring, and restricted visits and calls. However, the prosecution opposed this request on September 23, citing an "extreme risk of flight" and danger to the public. Additionally, a federal judge ordered Flores's medical records to be sealed following the request's submission.
Flores, aged 69, faces charges alongside Maduro for narco-terrorism and conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States. Both deny the accusations, with the former president declaring himself a "prisoner of war."
A lawyer by profession, Flores held significant roles within the Chavista regime, including as President of the National Assembly and Attorney General of Venezuela. Her husband dubbed her "the first fighter," and many viewed her as a central figure of power in Caracas.
On the eve of the nine-month anniversary of their detention, Maduro Guerra vowed, "We will not rest until we see them return," reiterating his stance that the legal proceedings against his father and stepmother are a "political trial."
Questions About Cilia Flores's Detention and Health
What health condition does Cilia Flores suffer from?
Cilia Flores suffers from a mitral valve prolapse, which can lead to serious heart issues if left untreated.
Why is the prosecution opposed to her house arrest?
The prosecution argues there is an extreme risk of flight and potential danger to the public if Cilia Flores is granted house arrest.
What roles did Cilia Flores hold in Venezuela?
Cilia Flores was the President of the National Assembly and Attorney General of Venezuela, playing a significant role in the Chavista regime.