UN Working Group Urged Independent Investigation into Death in Custody of Víctor Quero
The UN Working Group calls for an independent investigation into the death of Víctor Hugo Quero Navas, detained in Venezuela.
TL;DR
- The UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances is concerned about the forced disappearance and death of Víctor Hugo Quero Navas.
- The group urges Venezuela to conduct a prompt, independent, and impartial investigation into the case.
- Family members repeatedly sought information on Quero Navas's whereabouts since his detention in January 2025 but received no response.
- Venezuelan authorities stated Quero Navas was detained in January 2025 and died in July 2025 from respiratory failure.
- The UN Working Group questions why authorities delayed informing the family, providing information months after his death and only through a public statement.
- Contradictions exist between an October 2025 document stating Quero Navas was in Rodeo I and the official version, requiring clarification.
- 45 Venezuelan NGOs demand an independent international investigation commission, including international experts and UN/inter-American human rights mechanisms.
- NGOs cited a lack of impartiality in national institutions and called for investigations under international standards like the Minnesota and Istanbul Protocols.