"Venezuela has cancelled the passports of dozens of journalists and activists since Nicolás Maduro claimed a re-election victory, part of what rights groups say is an intensifying campaign of repression against the authoritarian president’s opponents. At least 40 people — mostly journalists and human rights activists — have had their passports annulled without explanation, according to Caracas-based rights group Laboratorio de Paz, which warns that the number is likely to be much higher due to Venezuelans’ fear of reporting cases. Others have had their passports confiscated by authorities while attempting to board flights from the country’s main airport.
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The cancellation of passports comes amid a wider campaign of repression in response to anti-government protests that broke out following an election verdict that has not been recognized by the Organization of American States, the United States and the European Union.
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‘Unlike murder or torture, which have a higher political cost, the government has found that passport cancellation is an effective way to neutralize and muffle critical voices with minimal effort,’ said Rafael Uzcátegui, co-director of Laboratorio de Paz."
