Venezuela revokes passports of dozens of journalists

The newspaper, citing Caracas-based activist group Laboratorio de Paz, reported that at least 40 people, mostly journalists and activists, had their passports revoked.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Photo: AFP

The group warned that the number of people whose passports had been revoked could be much higher as Venezuelans did not report other cases, the FT said, adding that many people had their passports confiscated by authorities when trying to board flights out of the country.

Venezuela has found that canceling passports or banning travel is an effective way to limit criticism from anti-government groups, the newspaper quoted Rafael Uzcátegui, co-director of the human rights group.

The report comes after Mr Maduro was declared the winner of the South American country's July election by the Electoral Commission and the Supreme Court, a decision the opposition has contested.

The Venezuelan government is taking drastic measures to stabilize the situation in the country. In mid-last month, two Spanish citizens, three US citizens and a Czech citizen were arrested in Venezuela on suspicion of plotting to destabilize the country.

Hoang Anh (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/venezuela-huy-ho-chieu-cua-hang-chuc-nha-bao-post316564.html