New York, Sep 11 (V7N)- Cilia Flores, the former First Lady of Venezuela who is currently in US federal custody, has asked a federal court to allow her to serve her detention under house arrest, citing serious heart complications.
Her lawyers have filed a formal motion requesting that Flores be permitted to remain at her residence in Manhattan, New York, while awaiting the start of her trial.
According to the court filing, Flores’ heart condition has significantly worsened during her time in federal custody. Her lawyers allege that she suffered a mild heart attack while in prison on July 29.
The legal team further claims that Flores has not been receiving the necessary specialized medical treatment in custody. They argue that continued detention in prison could pose risks to her health.
The lawyers have therefore asked the court to transfer Flores to house arrest at her Manhattan residence pending trial, where they say she would be able to receive appropriate medical care.
Flores and her husband, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, were detained in Caracas on January 3 following a reported US military operation and were subsequently taken to New York.
They have remained in US custody since their detention. Flores’ legal team maintains that her physical condition has continued to deteriorate during her time in American custody.
The court will now consider the request for house arrest and the medical concerns raised by Flores’ lawyers.
END/SMA/AJ
