Virus curbs in countries across Europe, Asia, the Americas and Africa have prompted governments to step in, many limiting free movement, free speech, public assembly and other civic rights.

“Authoritarian regimes, not surprisingly, are using the crisis to silence critics and tighten their political grip,” wrote some 500 signatories, including more than 60 former leaders, in an open letter organised by the Stockholm-based Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA).