"We learned very early that we couldn't use the traditional banking system because financial repression for political control is actually one of the areas in which dictators have learned a lot. They’ve become highly sophisticated," he explained.

He went on to explain that anti-money laundering rules are often used to target the wrong parties.

“We’ve seen 3,400 NGOs shut down using this particular law,” explained Maradiaga.

Global freedom declined for the 18th consecutive year in 2023. The breadth and depth of the deterioration were extensive. Political rights and civil liberties were diminished in 52 countries, while only 21 countries made improvements. Flawed elections and armed conflict contributed to the decline, endangering freedom and causing severe human suffering.