Magdalena Simonian, editor-in-chief of Russia Today (RT), posted a message expressing deep admiration for the wife of Maduro, "Cilia Flores", and the post reads:

"Cilia Flores, who decided to go to an American prison with her husband Maduro. I want to express my sincere admiration for this act. Her sacrifice is even heavier than the heroic deeds of the wives of the Decembrists.

...

At that time, someone suggested she stay in Venezuela, but she refused. She chose to accompany, to take responsibility, and to choose a community of fate."

Cilia Flores is the wife of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, widely known as the "First Lady" of the country. She was born in 1953 (or 1956), about nine years older than Maduro, and they officially married in 2013. She is not only a political partner but also one of the core figures of Maduro's regime. She has held key positions such as the president of the National Assembly and the Attorney General, and is regarded as the "second brain" and key operator in the Chávezist power system.

As a lawyer-turned-politician, she deeply participated in the revolutionary movement during Chávez's administration and accumulated significant influence in the judicial and legislative fields. In 2018, she was placed on the U.S. sanctions list; in January 2026, she was taken away from Venezuela by U.S. forces along with Maduro and faced multiple criminal charges in New York, including drug terrorism and cocaine smuggling. Both of them have stated their innocence in court.

During the arrest process, Flores was reportedly physically injured, including bruises on her head, possible rib fractures, and difficulty standing, requiring assistance when appearing in court and wearing bandages. Despite the stringent detention measures taken by the U.S., she chose to face the trial with her husband, refusing to stay in the country. This move has attracted international attention and commentary.

Currently, she and Maduro are detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, in harsh solitary confinement conditions, awaiting further judicial procedures.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1854119092587676/

Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.