Venezuelan Prosecutor's Office rules out 'traumatic injuries' in political prisoner's death

Venezuela's Attorney General's Office has stated that no traumatic injuries were found on the body of political prisoner Víctor Quero, whose death in custody has caused significant shock in the country. The MP announced that an autopsy determined Quero died from a pulmonary embolism, with his death estimated to have occurred between 10 months and a year prior.

The office also confirmed through biological identification with 99.4% statistical probability that the remains exhumed on May 8 correspond to Quero, the son of Carmen Teresa Navas, who had reported him missing. The MP reiterated its commitment to upholding human rights in detention centers.

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The autopsy, as well as histological, toxicological studies, and other complementary expert analyses, allowed us to determine that the death was caused by a pulmonary embolism. No traumatic injuries were evidenced on the corpse.

The investigation into Quero's death was announced on May 7, after the Ministry of Penitentiary Service confirmed his passing. The ministry stated Quero had been held at El Rodeo I prison since January 3, 2025, and was transferred to a hospital on July 15, 2025, due to upper digestive bleeding and acute fever. He reportedly died nearly ten days later from acute respiratory failure secondary to pulmonary embolism.

Numerous NGOs, political parties, and activists have questioned the state's ten-month delay in reporting Quero's death. While the Attorney General's Office has launched a criminal investigation, human rights organizations are calling for an independent inquiry with international assistance. The public outcry intensified following the news that Carmen Teresa Navas died on May 17, just ten days after her son's death was officially confirmed.

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We will continue to ensure the respect and guarantee of human rights in prisons and other detention facilities in the country.