Repression in Venezuela: Maduro resorts to canceling passports

In Venezuela, pressure on journalists and human rights activists has intensified since Nicolás Maduro announced his disputed electoral victory. Dozens of them suddenly find themselves without valid travel documents, a tactic that follows an increasing pattern of state repression, according to the Caracas-based human rights organization Laboratorio de Paz. So far, at least 40 people, mainly journalists and activists, have discovered that their passports have been annulled without explanation. The actual number is likely higher, as many affected individuals are afraid to report the cases due to fear of reprisals. Some passports were confiscated at the airport, just before the planned departure. An anonymous human rights activist describes his fear when his passport was confiscated at the airport. Journalist Carla also learned about her annulled passport while abroad and is now questioning whether she should return to her homeland. The measures coincide with a broader government campaign launched in response to unrecognized protests against the election results. Maduro's alleged victory with 51 percent over Edmundo González's 43 percent is questioned by the Organization of American States, the USA, and the EU. Nonetheless, the government-controlled Supreme Court confirmed the election outcome. González, who according to independent reports actually won the election, fled to Spain out of fear of arrest. Rafael Uzcátegui from Laboratorio de Paz explains that document annulments represent a strategically advantageous and simultaneously effective method for the government to silence critics without incurring significant political damage. Since the beginning of the protests, more than 2,000 people have been arrested, while at least 24 people have died during the unrest. Moreover, Maduro suppresses online discourse by restricting access to platforms like X and WhatsApp. The question of return also arises for many of the over seven million Venezuelans who have left the country in recent years in light of the economic crisis. With new passport regulations and a lack of diplomatic representation in countries such as the USA, Peru, and Panama, returning is difficult for many. Although the Mercosur region nominally offers some travel facilitation, these are limited in practice, forcing many to choose alternative travel routes. Another activist, who prefers to remain anonymous, suspects a deliberate policy of intimidation behind the arbitrary passport cancellations. For this reason, they avoid airports and travel across the border to Colombia in and out.