Venezuelan Attorney General Probes Unreported Death of Detainee Victor Hugo Quero

Venezuelan Attorney General Larry Devoe has launched an investigation into the death of Victor Hugo Quero Navas, who died in state custody in July 2025. The probe was initiated after authorities revealed Quero’s death only when his amnesty request was denied in May 2026. Quero, a businessman arrested in January 2025 on charges including terrorism, was reportedly buried without notifying his family, despite his mother’s frequent visits to Rodeo I prison seeking information. The Prison Ministry cited acute respiratory failure as the cause of death. Human rights organizations have condemned the incident as an enforced disappearance and a violation of due process, calling for an independent investigation under international standards. Public Ombudswoman Eglée Lobato has promised to activate institutional mechanisms to clarify the case. Meanwhile, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez acknowledged deviations in the justice system, specifically targeting judges accused of charging fees for amnesty. The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding human rights and judicial transparency in Venezuela, with NGOs demanding accountability for the lack of communication between penal institutions and detainees' families.