A group of students in Venezuela's capital, Caracas, held a protest on Monday to protest the deaths of a political prisoner and his elderly mother, blaming the government for both fatalities.
Dozens of demonstrators, mostly college students, briefly blocked a highway, chanting and carrying a banner with the photo of Carmen Navas, 82, who died just days after learning her son had died in state custody nine months ago. Her son, Víctor Hugo Quero, was detained in January 2025 on what are widely considered politically motivated charges.
The government only revealed Quero's death in July 2025, citing acute respiratory failure after a hospitalisation for a gastrointestinal issue. It claimed relatives were not notified because he had not provided contact information. Navas had spent months demanding proof of life, visiting courts and detention centres.
Student leader Miguel Ángel Suárez said the incident stirred “rage” among Venezuelan youth. Human rights groups and opposition figures expressed outrage. Foro Penal, a prisoners' rights organisation, estimates over 400 political detainees are held in the country.
