A/HRC/45/CRP.11
personnel including Captain Acosta Arévalo. The investigation was assigned to the ThirtyNinth National Prosecutor’s Office.
903. On the same day, National Constituent Assembly president Diosdado Cabello spoke
about the plot on his television show “Con el Mazo Dando”. He referred to the detention of
Captain Acosta Arévalo and other accused saying, “They are in good protection of the
authorities, providing declarations and adding to what must be added”. 1622
904. According to a DGCIM report,1623 on the morning of 26 June 2019, two DGCIM
officers travelled from Caracas to Guarenas to arrest Captain Acosta Arévalo, based on
intelligence information they had received. They identified and intercepted Captain Acosta
Arévalo at a bus stop. After presenting his documents to the DGCIM officers, Captain Acosta
Arévalo fled and suffered a fall. According to the DGCIM report, two witnesses to the arrest
corroborated this version of events.1624
905. The DGCIM version appears to stand in contrast with that of Captain Acosta
Arévalo’s family, who had not seen or heard from him since 21 June. Since that date, the
location and whereabouts of Captain Acosta were unknown, family members and the legal
defense team suspect Captain Acosta had been taken to an unofficial detention center run by
the DGCIM.1625
Captain Acosta Arévalo’s Death
906. According to the DGCIM report, the DGCIM officers brought Captain Acosta
Arévalo to the Carlos Arvelo military hospital at 7 a.m on 28 June 2019.1626 The doctor
certified that he had trauma to the thorax, nose, finger and ankle, moderate dehydration and
a skin infection. The report concluded that he was in stable condition.1627
907. During the evening of 28 June 2019, Captain Acosta Arévalo made an initial court
appearance at the Third Military Court of Control of the Libertador Bolivarian municipality,
Capital District. The other accused were also presented in court. Captain Acosta Arévalo’s
case was assigned to a military tribunal, as he was charged with military crimes (treason to
the homeland,1628 military rebellion1629 and instigation to rebellion1630). Captain Acosta
Arévalo was a civilian, having been discharged from the military in 2006.
908. DGCIM officers brought Captain Acosta Arévalo into the hearing in a wheelchair.
Prior to the hearing, Captain Acosta Arévalo’s lawyer had a brief interaction with his client.
DGGIM officers insisted on being present during the conversation. According to his lawyer,
the first thing that Captain Acosta Arévalo did was request help. However, Captain Acosta
Arévalo was unable to articulate most basic words, could not move his hands or legs and was
bruised and bleeding. He was barefoot. His eyes were wide. Captain Acosta Arévalo’s lawyer
asked him if he had been tortured and he nodded.1631
909. Seeing Captain Acosta Arévalo’s condition, court staff tried to give him some water.
When the presiding judge saw Captain Acosta Arévalo in the entrance of the courtroom, he
ordered Captain Acosta Arévalo’s immediate transfer to the military hospital Vicente Salias
Sanoja in Fort Tiuna. The hearing proceeded for the other accused. Captain Acosta Arévalo’s
appearance was postponed until the following day.
1622
1623
1624
1625
1626
1627
1628
1629
1630
1631
182
YouTube Video, Con el Mazo Dando, Con el Mazo Dando, Programa #258, minute 01:29:00,
available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kp3n5ZP1LMA
Police Record No. DGCIM DEIPC AP 431/2019 and Act of Initial Appearance, 1 July 2019, ThirtySixth Court of Control, criminal case file No. 36 C-19.464-19, on file with the Mission.
Interview Record, No DGCIM DEIPC, AE-374/2/2019, on file with the Mission.
Mission Interview with lawyer Alonso Medina in April 2020, Mission Interview with Waleska Pérez
on 24 April 2020.
Police Record No. DGCIM DEIPC AP 431/2019, on file with the Mission.
Medical Report, C.I. No.9.661.191, Historia 74-36-13 on file with the Mission.
Organic Code of Military Justice, art. 464 item26, art. 465, art. 467.
Organic Code of Military Justice, art. 476 item 1, art. 478 item 4, art. 487.
Organic Code of Military Justice, art. 481, art. 487.
Mission Interview with lawyer Alonso Medina in April 2020, Document C3DD50 on file with the
Mission.
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