Global rallies held in support of Venezuela's Machado

Supporters of Venezuelan opposition figure Maria Corina Machado have staged rallies across the globe to honor her recent Nobel Peace Prize victory ahead of Wednesdays award ceremony. Thousands participated in marches on Saturday in cities including Madrid, Utrecht, Buenos Aires, Lima, and Brisbane, expressing their support for the 58-year-old Machado, recognized for her efforts to achieve a democratic transition in Venezuela.

In Lima, Peru, demonstrators carried Machados portraits and chanted calls for a Free Venezuela. Many wore the national colorsyellow, blue, and redeither draped over their shoulders or displayed on caps, while holding signs reading, The Nobel Prize is from Venezuela.

Veronica Duran, a 41-year-old Venezuelan resident in Lima, explained that Machados Nobel recognition represents all Venezuelans, including those who have suffered or are imprisoned, in the struggle to restore democracy. Since going into hiding in August 2024, Machado has aimed to use her Nobel spotlight to highlight Venezuelas democratic aspirations.

Her organization reported that rallies were expected in more than 80 cities worldwide. In Bogota, Colombia, Venezuelan expatriates wearing white T-shirts and holding balloons conducted a religious-inspired ceremony, praying for the Nobel Prize to symbolize hope for their country.

In Buenos Aires, Argentina, around 500 supporters gathered at the law school steps of the countrys largest university, creating a torchlit procession with mobile phone lights. Nancy Hoyer, a 60-year-old participant, said the award was a victory for all Venezuelans abroad and those who have sacrificed inside the country, honoring the many martyrs of the resistance.

The demonstrations occur amid heightened tensions in Venezuela. The United States, under former President Donald Trump, has increased military presence in the Caribbean, repeatedly threatening Venezuelan territory. President Nicolas Maduro condemned the US actions as attempts to remove him from power. The Trump administration has refused to recognize Maduro, who has led Venezuela since 2013, as the legitimate president.

Machado had won the opposition primary and intended to challenge Maduro, but the government prevented her candidacy. Retired diplomat Edmundo Gonzalez replaced her but later sought asylum in Spain after a Venezuelan court issued an arrest warrant. Machado went into hiding and has not appeared publicly since January 9, 2024, after being briefly detained during a small protest in Caracas.

In a video message posted on social media, Machado stated that these are challenging times that test the Venezuelan peoples resolve and unity. She emphasized that the Nobel Peace Prize acknowledges the long struggle and dignity of her fellow citizens.

Machado received the Nobel on October 10 for keeping the flame of democracy alive amid growing darkness. Kristian Berg Harpviken, head of the Nobel Institute, confirmed she will attend the ceremony in Oslo, although security measures prevent additional details about her arrival from being shared.

Author: Gavin Porter