09.11.2026 22:03
A new image has emerged of Venezuela's former President Nicolás Maduro, who was captured in a US operation in January and has been in prison for about 9 months. It was reported that Maduro, who appears to have noticeably lost weight, has complained about prison food. It was also learned that Maduro, who has begun reading the Quran and the Bible, is interested in philosophy and has met with a Catholic priest and a rabbi.
Striking details have emerged about the prison life of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who is being held at a federal prison in Brooklyn, USA. According to The New York Times, Maduro spends his days reading the Quran, the Bible, and philosophical works; he also meets with a Catholic priest and a rabbi. His wife, Cilia Flores, is reported to have lost more than 11 kilograms in prison and to have lost two teeth.
TURNED TO RELIGIOUS AND PHILOSOPHICAL WORKS IN PRISON
New information has been shared about the daily life in prison of Nicolás Maduro, who remained in power in Venezuela for many years and was captured in an operation by U.S. forces on January 3, 2026, and taken to New York.
According to The New York Times report, which is based on sources familiar with Maduro's prison conditions, the former leader spends a significant portion of his time at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn studying religious and philosophical texts.
The works Maduro is reading include the Bible and the Quran. It was also reported that the former Venezuelan leader meets with a Catholic priest and a rabbi in prison.
LOST WEIGHT NOTICEABLY IN PRISON
It was noted that Maduro's physical appearance has also changed during his detention. According to the report, the former leader has lost noticeable weight since entering prison and has complained in recent months about the quality of the meals given to him.
It was stated that Maduro, who was said to have followed a Paleo diet before being taken to the U.S., has not been able to maintain his former eating regimen under prison conditions. Sources said the prison meals may have accelerated his weight loss.
HEALTH CONDITION OF HIS WIFE CILIA FLORES CAUSES CONCERN
The health condition in prison of Maduro's wife, Cilia Flores, was reported to be more serious. According to documents submitted to the court, Flores was recovering from uterine surgery at the time of her arrest.
It was stated that Flores lost more than 11 kilograms in prison, lost two teeth, and began taking medication due to chest pains. Her lawyers believe Flores may have suffered a mild heart attack in July. However, this has not yet been definitively confirmed.
It was reported that Flores, who was held in isolation for three months, was later moved to the general ward, where she was affected by pepper spray used to break up a fight among inmates. It was also noted that Flores can sleep only 3-4 hours a day.
BOTH DENY THE CHARGES
Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores are awaiting trial in the U.S. on serious charges brought against them. The couple does not accept the charges against them.
It was reported that Flores's request for release was denied, and that the trial hearing for the couple is planned to begin on June 14, 2027.
CAPTURED IN A U.S. OPERATION AND TAKEN TO NEW YORK
On January 3, 2026, the U.S. military carried out a military operation in Venezuela's capital, Caracas, called “Operation Absolute Resolve.” In the operation, conducted by U.S. special forces with airstrikes and a raid, Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured and removed from the country. The couple was first taken to the U.S. Navy ship USS Iwo Jima and then transferred to New York. Maduro and Flores appeared before a judge for the first time at the federal court in Manhattan on January 5, 2026. Maduro rejected the drug trafficking and narco-terrorism-related charges against him and maintained his innocence. The couple continues to be held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn during the trial process.