Venezuela Investigates Death of Political Prisoner Quero

Venezuela's interim president Delci Rodriguez has ordered a thorough investigation into the death of political prisoner Victor Hugo Quero Nava, who passed away in custody. Carmen Nava, his 81-year-old mother, confirmed his death on Sunday, sending shockwaves across the country.

Victor Hugo Quero, aged 51, was arrested in January 2025 on terrorism charges and was regularly held in detention for opposing the socialist regime of President Nicolás Maduro. His mother had been tirelessly searching for him during his detention, failing to confirm his whereabouts until the authorities reported his death in early May.

An examination on May 7 revealed that he died from acute respiratory failure secondary to pulmonary thromboembolism while in a military hospital in Caracas. The custodians of Quero reportedly provided no information to family members, and there was no formal request for visits.

Following his death, Carmen Nava visited her son's grave and demanded that his remains be exhumed for identification. Rodriguez's order for an investigation aims to clarify the circumstances surrounding Quero's death, with cooperation from the Ombudsman’s Office and the Public Prosecutor’s Office.