Hey, just because Mao called the intellectuals to come forward to criticize his government, and then later enraged by their comments imprisoned them, doesn't mean the actual government ruled by the same communist party would do the same, would they?
![Wink](https://bitcointalk.org/Smileys/default/wink.gif)
Venezuela was a little different. The gov did made people register, under the threat that those who didn't register could have their equipment seized later.
Actually the police was already seizing equipment before this, not because it was illegal (it wasn't) but because "they just could" (there is no rule of law operating). After this registry was completed, the (illegal) practice continued so you are never safe. Not just because the de-facto government lied, but because they are unable to stop corrupt police or military from extorting, and even kidnapping people they believe to be wealthy to pay ransom.
They sacked the guy who promoted the first registry and there is now a second in control of an institution that is supposed to regulate "crypto activities". Miners are supposed to get a license, which details were never disclosed. I don't even know if that is working anymore...
So you are in limbo, at risk, unless you are really close to someone in power (perhaps sharing profits) so when the police/military do come to extort you, a call to the right person would make them back off. Not sure if Russia is the same, but China is dangerous to even think of doing that, yet some do...