Event Summary
On 2 December 2025, during a debate in the National Assembly regarding the loss of Citgo’s assets—an oil company owned by PDVSA in the United States—the possibility was raised of revoking the nationality of several Venezuelans accused of having facilitated the loss of those assets.
Threats of nationality revocation are not a new development. Over the past three months, requests have been submitted to the Supreme Court of Justice to strip figures such as opposition leaders Leopoldo López and Yon Goicoechea of their nationality.
Similarly, comparable initiatives have been promoted by certain political leaders who have called for the removal of nationality from various Venezuelans. Although there is currently no information indicating that the threats to revoke the nationality of the individuals targeted have been carried out, the situation must be closely monitored. These tactics are being used as an intimidating message toward civil society actors and can instill fear, which may hinder the free work of civil society and obstruct the functioning of an enabling environment.