Republican Senator Rick Scott urged Washington on Friday to swiftly reimpose sanctions against Delcy Rodríguez after the death of Venezuelan political prisoner Víctor Hugo Quero Navas was reported.
In a message shared on social media platform X, Scott accused the Venezuelan regime of having "kidnapped, tortured, isolated, and murdered" the young Venezuelan, whose death was recently confirmed by authorities.
"The brutality of Maduro's dictatorship, now headed by Delcy Rodríguez, knows no bounds," stated the U.S. senator.
Quest for Justice and Accountability
Scott highlighted that the victim's mother, Carmen Teresa Navas, spent 16 months seeking answers as authorities remained silent about her son's whereabouts.
According to official information released by the Ministry for Penitentiary Services, Víctor Hugo Quero Navas died on July 24, 2025, at the Carlos Arvelo Military Hospital. However, human rights organizations and opposition leaders question the official narrative, alleging possible torture and enforced disappearance.
International Reactions and Humanitarian Concerns
Opposition leader María Corina Machado also responded to the case, accusing the Venezuelan regime of committing a "crime against humanity."
The incident has sparked international pressure, prompting the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (CIDH) to issue precautionary measures for both Quero Navas and his mother.
Senator Scott's Demand for Political Prisoners' Release
Rick Scott reiterated his call for the immediate release of all political prisoners in Venezuela, warning that those responsible "will face justice."
The senator's appeal contrasts with the Trump administration's stance, which removed Rodríguez from the OFAC sanctions list on April 1, 2026, after formally recognizing her as Venezuela's head of state in March. Trump had praised her, stating she was "doing a great job."
This isn't the first time Scott has clashed with Rodríguez. Earlier this week, he labeled her a "cartel boss" and "despicable," and in January, he warned she would "share Maduro's fate" if she challenged the United States.
The Quero Navas case fits a documented pattern of deaths in custody: at least eight political prisoners have died in Venezuelan jails since July 2024. On Wednesday, the Popular Will party condemned Rodríguez's regime's practice of detaining opponents, presenting them without legal grounds, and releasing them under precautionary measures that restrict their rights.
The Foro Penal verified only 768 actual releases compared to the 8,616 announced by the Venezuelan government since the start of the Amnesty Law for Democratic Coexistence, which abruptly ended on April 25, with over 500 political prisoners still incarcerated.
"All political prisoners in Venezuela, including the disappeared, must be released now. Every person responsible for this crime against humanity will face justice," Scott concluded.
Key Questions on Venezuela's Political Climate
Why is Rick Scott calling for sanctions against Delcy Rodríguez?
Rick Scott is demanding sanctions due to the alleged involvement of the Venezuelan regime, led by Delcy Rodríguez, in the death of political prisoner Víctor Hugo Quero Navas.
What does the international community say about the situation in Venezuela?
The international community, including human rights organizations, has criticized the Venezuelan regime for human rights abuses, calling for accountability and the release of political prisoners.
How many political prisoners have died in Venezuela under custody?
Since July 2024, at least eight political prisoners have died in Venezuelan jails, raising concerns over the regime's treatment of detainees.