Machado's Defiance: A Daughter's Nobel Speech 💔🗳️

World News

Machado Withdraws, Daughter to Accept Nobel Prize
Organizers of the Nobel Peace Prize announced that Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado will not be attending the ceremony in Norway. Instead, her daughter, Ana Corina Machado, will accept the award on her behalf, delivering the prepared speech scheduled to begin at 1:00 PM (1200 GMT) in Oslo’s City Hall. This decision follows a protracted standoff with President Nicolás Maduro and a period of Machado’s relative seclusion since going into hiding in August of last year.

Legal Threats and the “Fugitive” Label
Venezuela’s Attorney General, Tarek William Saab, issued a stark warning, declaring that María Corina Machado would be classified as a “fugitive” if she were to leave the country to accept the prize. This legal threat, communicated last month, stemmed from her prolonged absence from Venezuela and ongoing criminal investigations. Saab elaborated that Machado’s status as a fugitive stemmed from accusations including “acts of conspiracy, incitement of hatred, and terrorism.”

A Risky Return to Venezuela
Despite being widely recognized as the leader of the Venezuelan opposition and commended for her dedication to promoting democracy, Machado’s potential return to Venezuela carries a significant risk of arrest. While authorities have shown relative restraint, analysts suggest that a prolonged period of exile could diminish her political influence and impact.

International Delegation Despite Volatile Situation
Notably, several Latin American heads of state, including Argentine President Javier Milei, along with Machado and her three daughters, are present in Oslo for the prize-giving. This international delegation underscores the continued global attention being directed towards the Venezuelan political situation and the opposition leader’s efforts.

Machado’s Accusations and Trump Connection
María Corina Machado has repeatedly accused President Maduro of stealing the Venezuelan July 2024 elections – a claim supported by a substantial portion of the opposition. She has also solidified a relationship with former U.S. President Donald Trump, a connection that has contributed to her international recognition and support.