Cilia Flores, Wife of Venezuelan President Maduro, Shows Injuries After U.S. Raid, Lawyer Says
NEW YORK, N.Y. — Cilia Flores, wife of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, appeared in a New York City federal court on Monday bearing visible injuries, her attorney revealed. Wearing bandages on her forehead and above her eye, Flores also complained of bruising on her ribs, which her lawyer described as “significant injuries” sustained during the U.S. raid on the couple’s Caracas compound last Saturday.
Mark Donnelly, a veteran prosecutor who recently filed a motion to serve as Flores’s counsel, informed the court that Flores requires a full X-ray to determine whether she suffered rib fractures in the incident. Donnelly, who previously served in the Department of Justice and advised the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, has extensive experience in white-collar and complex criminal investigations.
Both Flores and Maduro pleaded not guilty to charges brought against them in the Southern District of New York. Maduro faces four counts, including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess such weapons. Flores faces three charges: cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess them.
The dramatic capture of the Venezuelan leader and his wife follows a coordinated federal operation involving multiple U.S. agencies. Video footage from WNYW showed Maduro being escorted under heavy federal guard to a helicopter after processing at the DEA’s Manhattan offices. The Drug Enforcement Administration played a central role in the operation, which targeted alleged narcotics trafficking and terrorism activities linked to the Maduro regime.
The arrest has reverberated internationally, with Switzerland imposing a four-year asset freeze on Maduro and his associates, underscoring the global response to the charges. The U.S. Department of State has emphasized its commitment to combating drug trafficking and corruption tied to authoritarian regimes.
Flores and Maduro’s relationship traces back over a decade, having met while working closely with Hugo Chávez, Maduro’s predecessor. Maduro once described Flores as possessing a “fiery character,” reflecting her influential role in Venezuelan politics.
The case has drawn sharp reactions across political and diplomatic spheres. While some U.S. lawmakers question the next steps for Venezuela’s future following the capture, others highlight the message the arrest sends to international actors, including China. The Department of Justice continues to pursue the case vigorously, underscoring the seriousness of the charges.
Flores’s attorney Mark Donnelly’s background includes participation in high-profile investigations, such as the 2023 impeachment trial of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. His expertise in fraud and complex criminal matters positions him to navigate the legal challenges ahead for Flores.
As Maduro and Flores remain in federal custody in New York, their arraignment marks a significant chapter in U.S. efforts to hold foreign leaders accountable for alleged criminal conduct. The unfolding legal proceedings are expected to attract intense scrutiny amid Venezuela’s ongoing political turmoil and international pressure on the Maduro regime.
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