Nobel laureate Maria Corina Machado to journey to Oslo to accept peace prize

Venezuelan opposition figure and Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado has confirmed plans to travel to Norway next week to receive her award, according to the head of the Nobel Institute.

Machado, who has been in hiding in Venezuela since the 2024 presidential election, indicated her intention to participate in the Oslo ceremony scheduled for December 10. I spoke with Machado on Friday, and she confirmed her attendance at the ceremony, said Kristian Berg Harpviken. Due to security concerns, we cannot disclose further details about her arrival or the exact schedule.

Venezuela's attorney general, Tarek William Saab, previously warned that Machado could be deemed a fugitive if she left the country to accept the prize. Machado faces accusations including conspiracy, incitement of hatred, and terrorism, as well as scrutiny for her support of U.S. military presence in the Caribbean.

Machado received the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her persistent efforts to advance democratic rights in Venezuela and her advocacy for a peaceful transition from authoritarian rule. This marked the first time a Venezuelan citizen was awarded a Nobel Prize.

Often called Venezuelas Iron Lady, the 58-year-old Machado has led opposition movements for over twenty years, challenging the countrys authoritarian governance. Venezuela remains under the leadership of President Nicolas Maduro, whose 2024 reelection was widely criticized as undemocratic. Machado has accused Maduro of election fraud, a position supported by much of the international community.

Machado has also commented on the U.S. military presence in the region, calling it a necessary measure to restore sovereignty in Venezuela. In an interview with CBS News in October, she said that receiving the Nobel Prize would provide her a lot of protection while emphasizing that the recognition draws global attention to Venezuelas struggle for democracy.

Author: Benjamin Carter