NEW YORK.- The Court of the Southern District of New York set for 8 October next the audience in which it will decide if the request is appropriate by Cilia Floreswife of deposed dictator Nicolás Maduro, to be released from prison in exchange for a house arrest in a private home in the city, while the criminal process continues.
Federal Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein will listen to the arguments of the defense and the US justice at the scheduled hearing, according to an established schedule, to make the decision that he would not necessarily announce on the same day, it was reported.
On September 10, Flores’ defense team asked the judge to grant their client house arrest, arguing that she suffers from “health problems” that require treatment that is not provided by the Brooklyn federal prison where she has been held since last January.
The lawyers guarantee permanent surveillance to prevent escape, according to the document recorded in the Court.
The Prosecutor’s Office opposed the request that would represent probation for Flores on charges of conspiracy in drug trafficking and other federal crimes that would compromise American security.
Before Cilia Flores’ hearing
A Court order released yesterday, Wednesday, set the hearing for next October 8, after compliance with a judicial schedule, reported lawyer Nizar El Fakih, who follows the criminal process, on the X network.
Thus, on September 23, the Prosecutor’s Office must present the legal arguments of the opposition to Flores’ request.
The lawyers, for their part, will have until September 30 to formulate their response to the tax consideration.
According to the defense, Flores has had episodes of chest tightness since April that have required the use of an inhaler, difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, chest pain and occasional dizziness, in addition to digestive problems, loss of two teeth and sleeping difficulties, according to reports.
Criminal experts have advanced opinions that point towards a possible refusal by the judge, based on historical cases in which house arrest has been denied to people prosecuted for federal crimes.
