A/HRC/45/CRP.11 Autopsy Review 662. The Mission interviewed a former Chief of Forensic Medicine who had worked for the CICPC team at Bello Monte Morgue, Dr. Valenilla. He had left Venezuela by the time the Bello Monte Morgue received Mr. Albán’s body, but he was able to explain appropriate procedures to the Mission.1315 The Mission also consulted an independent international forensic expert specialised in the Istanbul and Minnesota Protocols, Dr. Ozkalipci. 1316 663. Both experts told the Mission that an autopsy consistent with existing international protocols in the investigations of potentially unlawful deaths, namely the Minnesota one, would have provided accurate information on the cause of death and conditions surrounding the death. 664. According to Dr. Ozkalipci, the photographs and information revealed that the professional quality of the autopsy was far behind international standards. Dr. Ozkalipci found no indication that those performing the autopsy searched for evidence of torture or illtreatment, sexual violence, asphyxiation, hallucinogen drugs or sedatives. He noted that no one representing the family was present during the autopsy. Overall, he described it as having been performed to a very low standard.1317 665. Dr. Valenilla’s opinion was that forensic anatomical pathologists are trained to perform external and internal analysis of the corpse, as well as to make cuts to tissue (histological cuts). When studied microscopically, the cuts provide important information about the cause of death, and this information was missing. He also cast doubt upon the Attorney General’s claim that the final autopsy results were ready in 24 hours, explaining that this would not have been materially possible however advanced the technology. 1318 Harassment 666. On 7 February 2019, the Venezuelan Minister of Communications, Jorge Rodríguez Gómez held a press conference in which he accused Mr. Albán of participating in conspiracy 1315 1316 1317 1318 Mission Interview with Dr Joel Vallenilla in April 2020. Mission Interview with Dr Onder Ozkalipci in May 2020. Ibid Mission Interview with Dr Joel Vallenilla in April 2020. 145