UN Calls for Investigation into Inconsistencies in Víctor Quero Case and Cessation of Forced Disappearances in Venezuela
The UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances expressed its "grave concern" on Monday following the confirmation of the death of Víctor Hugo Quero Navas while in Venezuelan state custody, after a prolonged period of forced disappearance. The international body urged the Venezuelan Government to initiate a prompt, effective, and independent investigation to clarify the facts.
TL;DR
- The UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances is gravely concerned about the death of Víctor Hugo Quero Navas in Venezuelan state custody.
- Quero Navas was subjected to a prolonged period of forced disappearance before his death.
- The UN group has urged the Venezuelan Government to initiate a prompt, effective, and independent investigation into the facts.
- There are significant contradictions regarding the timeline of Quero Navas's death, with official accounts conflicting with an 'Act of Appearance' from October 2025.
- The UN experts highlighted concerns about the lack of judicial independence and prosecutorial autonomy in Venezuela.
- The state is accused of preventing contact between mother and son and concealing the death for months.
- The case illustrates the systemic suffering faced by families of disappeared persons when authorities conceal their whereabouts.