The linked article states "certain invited speakers and participants remain subject to pending administrative and security clearances, which have not yet been concluded".

I have friends who organise conferences as a $dayjob, including in countries where political and government clearances are required for conferences attended by speakers and participants from external countries.

These clearances are typically required for BOTH the event AND each foreigner individually (and the foreigner will often be unable to even apply for, let alone obtain their visa until they have the clearance).

Lets just say that organising a Human Rights Conference in such a country would probably not be the smartest idea in the world.

Even for an uncontroversial conference, the clearance process is excruciatingly painful. I dread to think what it would entail for a Human Rights conference !

They took the risk. It didn't pay off.

Hope they had solid events insurance to cover all the costs.

https://x.com/BethanyAllenEbr/status/2049683100565950937

'Oh its canceled, well shit.. guess we can't do ANYTHING now.'