GENEVA - The Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances* today expressed its grave concern over the enforced disappearance of Víctor Hugo Quero Navas and his subsequent death in custody, and urged the Government of Venezuela to initiate a prompt, effective and independent investigation into the events.
"The disappearance of Mr. Víctor Hugo Quero Navas and his subsequent death in custody must be subject to a prompt, thorough, independent and impartial investigation. Such an investigation must include independent forensic examinations, proper identification of the body, and its dignified return to the family," the experts said.
According to information received, following his detention in January 2025, relatives of Quero Navas reportedly approached various authorities repeatedly and periodically seeking information on his fate and whereabouts, without receiving any response or being granted communication with him.
The Working Group transmitted the case to the Government of Venezuela under its humanitarian mandate on 31 March 2025, but has received no response from the authorities. Subsequently, on 7 May 2026, the Venezuelan authorities issued a public statement indicating that Víctor Hugo Quero Navas had allegedly been detained on 3 January 2025 and held at Rodeo I Judicial Detention Centre. The authorities said that no visits had been registered and no relatives identified, despite the existence of a nationwide public campaign led by his relatives to locate and identify him.
The statement also indicated that on 15 July 2025, Quero Navas had allegedly been transferred to Dr. Carlos Arvelo Military Hospital, where he subsequently died from acute respiratory failure secondary to pulmonary thromboembolism.
"It is deeply concerning that the authorities, despite having long been aware of the search undertaken by Mr. Quero Navas' mother, only disclosed this information now, months after his death, and only through a public statement, without previously informing his family or responding to the multiple requests submitted," the Working Group said.
The experts indicated that it is in possession of an "Acta de Comparecencia" issued by the Venezuelan Public Defender's Office and dated 24 October 2025. According to that document, the family had reportedly been informed that Quero Navas was being held at Rodeo I Detention Centre; however, his whereabouts could never be confirmed due to the refusal of guards at the facility to provide information.
"The contradictions between the official information recently made public and the October 2025 Acta de Comparecencia must be clarified, particularly regarding the actual date of death. Concerns also arise in this context regarding judicial independence and the autonomy of the prosecution service," the experts said.
"The case of Mr Quero Navas illustrates the profound suffering families face when the authorities conceal the fate and whereabouts of a missing person," they said. "The fact that the authorities were aware of the search undertaken by the mother and did not allow her to see him, nor inform her of his death, is serious and painful."
"The State has the responsibility to guarantee the right to the truth, ensure accountability, and put an end to the practice of enforced disappearances," they said.
