Venezuela’s interim President, Delcy Rodríguez, has ordered an investigation into the death of political prisoner Víctor Hugo Quero Navas while in state custody.
The decision followed growing outrage over the case and the death of Quero’s mother, Carmen Navas, who died days after authorities confirmed her son’s passing.
Mother Dies Days After Son’s Death Confirmed
Quero, 51, was arrested in January 2025 on terrorism-related charges. Rights groups described the accusations as politically motivated. Authorities only confirmed his death in early May 2026, nearly 10 months after it occurred.
According to officials, Quero died on July 24, 2025, at a military hospital in Caracas from acute respiratory failure linked to pulmonary thromboembolism.
His 81-year-old mother spent months searching for him across prisons and hospitals. Family members said she ignored her own health problems while trying to locate her son. She later died shortly after confirming his death.
Government Orders Full Investigation
In an official statement released on Monday, Rodríguez directed authorities to conduct a thorough probe into the circumstances surrounding Quero’s death.
The statement said the Ombudsman’s Office and the Public Prosecutor’s Office would assist with the investigation. Officials promised to release the findings after the inquiry concludes.
Venezuela’s prosecutor’s office had earlier announced a separate criminal investigation into the case.
Rights Groups Raise Concerns
Human rights organisations have continued to question the handling of political detainees in Venezuela.
Rights group Foro Penal said about 20 political prisoners have died in custody since 2014. The organisation also claimed that nearly 500 political detainees remain behind bars despite a recent amnesty initiative.
The case sparked protests and renewed criticism of Venezuela’s prison system and treatment of dissidents.
