UN demands justice for killing of judge Víctor Claure in Santa Cruz
UN experts are demanding that the Bolivian Government investigate the killing of agroenvironmental judge Víctor Claure Hinojoza, which occurred on 30 April in Santa Cruz.
UN experts call for trial over death of agroenvironmental judge in Bolivia
According to laradiodelsur.com.ve, UN experts demanded on 8 September 2026 from Geneva that the Government of Bolivia ensure that those responsible for the murder of judge Víctor Claure Hinojoza are brought to justice, that the motives of the crime are clarified, and that the victim's family receives reparation.
Claure, dean of the Agroenvironmental Court of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, was murdered on 30 April in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Two individuals circulating on a motorcycle shot him four times at close range; the judge died at the scene. Before becoming a judge, Claure had developed his career in technical public service in the agricultural sector and as a defender of environmental rights.
"This brutal murder constitutes a grave attack on judicial independence, the right to a healthy environment, and the rule of law," the experts stated. "We urge Bolivian authorities to carry out an effective and independent investigation, bring those responsible to justice, ensure clarity on the motives of the crime, and implement measures of non-repetition."
Nearly four months after the crime, four people have been detained as suspects for having received and kept the motorcycle used by the gunman. However, neither the perpetrator of the murder nor the person who ordered it have been captured.
The experts classified the act as an apparent contract killing that could be linked to the judge's official functions. In the months before his death, Claure had worked on sensitive cases related to illegal mining, forest fires, and land grabbing.
"The consequences of the murder are devastating, not only for the judiciary and the rule of law in Bolivia, but also for the victim's family," they stated. "Bolivian authorities must adopt immediate measures to ensure accountability and to protect members of the judiciary."
The experts also warned that attacks or acts of intimidation against judicial actors involved in the protection of environmental rights can undermine both judicial independence and the effective realisation of human rights. "The murder of a judge has an inevitable deterrent effect throughout the judiciary if it is not followed by an effective investigation, prosecution, and punishment of those responsible," they indicated.
As regards the judge's family, the experts urged the Bolivian Government to ensure that they receive assistance to live securely and enjoy a dignified standard of living. Among the measures requested are survivor pensions, educational scholarships, compensation for death in the line of duty, and immediate support for funeral expenses.
"The risks faced by the judge because of the type of cases he handled are not isolated: the judiciary needs effective protection when addressing environmental issues," the experts emphasised, having already formally communicated their concerns to the Government of Bolivia.
"It is the responsibility of States to guarantee and protect the life and liberty of those who exercise judicial functions, both in their capacity as officials and as individuals," they concluded.
Source: Google News BO — Crime