politics
May 9, 2026
Venezuela: Foro Penal Demands Accountability for Víctor Hugo's Death
Venezuelan authorities exhumed the body of Víctor Hugo Quero Navas this week, a political prisoner detained over a year ago who died last July. His death has now been acknowledged by officials after months of official silence.
TL;DR
- Venezuelan authorities exhumed the body of political prisoner Víctor Hugo Quero Navas.
- Quero Navas was detained in December 2024, accused of terrorism, and died in July.
- His death was acknowledged by authorities after months of official silence and a year-long search by his mother.
- The exhumation was ordered by the prosecutor's office, and the Ministry of Penitentiary Affairs stated his death was due to respiratory failure.
- Foro Penal, an NGO, assisted Quero Navas's mother and is demanding justice and accountability.
- This is the first instance of authorities acknowledging the death of a political prisoner reported as disappeared.
- Foro Penal estimates approximately 200 forced disappearances in Venezuela.
- Since 2014, 19 political prisoners have died in state custody, and 454 have been detained for political reasons, according to Foro Penal.