Nicolas Maduro Has Lost Weight and Turned to Religion in US Custody, NYT Says

Detained Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro has reportedly shed weight and begun studying religion while held in the US. He is also meeting regularly with prison chaplains, the New York Times reports.

A New Routine Behind Bars

Nicolas Maduro, the detained president of Venezuela, has noticeably changed his daily habits in US custody. The New York Times reports he has lost weight and taken up religious study. The newspaper cites anonymous sources familiar with his situation.

Finding Faith In Detention

Maduro now spends much of his free time reading religious and philosophical texts. He has long held an interest in spiritual matters, according to the report. The paper notes he “has also met with prison chaplains, including a Christian priest and a rabbi.” Those meetings appear to be a regular part of his routine now.

Why He Looks Thinner

Maduro’s weight loss stands out to those around him. Poor quality prison food is a major factor, the report says. He has reportedly complained about the food for several months straight.

Cilia Flores Faces Bigger Health Struggles

His wife, Cilia Flores, is held at the same Brooklyn facility. Her health appears even more fragile than his, the Times reports. She has lost more than 10 kilograms since her arrest. She has also lost several teeth during detention. Flores now relies on nitroglycerin, prescribed to manage chest pain.

How The Couple Ended Up In The US

US forces struck Venezuela on January 3 in a large military operation. Maduro and Flores were captured during the raid and flown to New York. American officials accuse the couple of involvement in “narco-terrorism.” Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela’s former vice president, now serves as acting president in Maduro’s absence.