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Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado arrived in Norway Thursday to receive her Nobel Peace Prize, ending months of seclusion in her homeland and sparking mixed reactions from Venezuelans who had admired her steadfast refusal to flee.
Machado, who had not been seen in public since a brief detention during an anti-government protest in Caracas on January 9, greeted supporters from an Oslo hotel balcony after her arrival. Her daughter, Ana Corina Sosa, had accepted the prestigious award on her behalf the previous day in a ceremony that evolved into a powerful rally for democracy and a scathing indictment of President Nicolás Maduro’s government.
“She wants to live in a free Venezuela, and she will never give up on that purpose,” Sosa told attendees in Oslo before reading her mother’s prepared remarks. “That is why we all know, and I know, that she will be back in Venezuela very soon.”
The Nobel ceremony laid bare the human rights abuses that have defined Maduro’s presidency. Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel committee, detailed documented cases of torture, including disturbing accounts of children detained following the 2024 presidential election facing “plastic bags pulled tight over their heads, electric shocks to the genitals, blows to the body so brutal it hurt the great, sexualized violence, cells so cold as to cause intense shivering, foul drinking water teeming with insects, screams that no one came to stop.”
Watne Frydnes directly called on Maduro to “accept the election result and step down,” a reference to the disputed presidential race that independent observers believe Maduro lost despite his subsequent swearing in for a third six-year term.
Machado’s departure from Venezuela represents a significant turning point in her opposition leadership. Throughout Venezuela’s political crisis, many voters supported her precisely because she remained in the country while other opposition figures fled. When barred from running against Maduro herself, she endorsed retired diplomat Edmundo González, who later sought asylum in Spain after facing an arrest warrant.
On the streets of Caracas, Venezuelans expressed varied opinions about Machado’s departure and Nobel recognition.
“They say she left the country, if that’s true, good for her,” said office worker Josefina Páez. “That woman has made many sacrifices to fight for democracy, and it’s time she reunites with her family, with her children, and continues fighting from abroad.”
Others, like shopkeeper José Hurtado, were critical, calling Machado a “traitor” for supporting U.S. policies toward Venezuela. “Those awards are very discredited,” he remarked.
The ceremony takes place against a backdrop of increased regional tensions, with U.S. military operations in the Caribbean that have reportedly resulted in Venezuelan casualties in international waters. Meanwhile, hundreds of Venezuelans, including González’s son-in-law Rafael Tudares, remain imprisoned for what international human rights organizations classify as political reasons.
Flight tracking data indicated Machado’s plane arrived in Oslo from Bangor, Maine, suggesting she may have traveled through the United States. Upon her arrival, supporters gathered outside her hotel chanting “Freedom! Freedom!” and “Thank you! Thank you!” before joining her in singing Venezuela’s national anthem.
The critical question of when and how Machado and González might return to Venezuela remains unanswered. A previous opposition plan to bring González back to the country ahead of Maduro’s January 10 inauguration failed to materialize.
“People are anxiously awaiting news about what will happen, about how Maria Corina receiving or not receiving the award will affect things,” said José Murillo, a teacher in Caracas.
Venezuela’s political crisis continues to draw international attention, with Machado’s Nobel Prize elevating global awareness of the country’s democratic struggle. However, the path forward for Venezuela’s opposition movement remains uncertain, particularly as its most prominent leaders now find themselves abroad while the Maduro government maintains its grip on power.
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10 Comments
It’s inspiring to see Machado boldly return to Venezuela to accept her Nobel Prize despite the risks. Her steadfast commitment to democracy and human rights is admirable.
Yes, her refusal to be silenced or cowed by the Maduro regime is a powerful statement. Brave leaders like her are crucial for Venezuela’s path to freedom.
The Nobel committee’s detailed accounts of torture and abuse under Maduro’s rule are disturbing. This international spotlight may pressure the regime to improve its human rights record.
Let’s hope so. Increased global awareness and condemnation could build momentum for meaningful change and accountability in Venezuela.
The Nobel ceremony shining a light on the Maduro government’s human rights abuses is an important step. Hopefully this international attention can spur positive change in Venezuela.
Absolutely. Exposing the torture and mistreatment of political prisoners, even children, is horrifying and demands action from the global community.
Interesting to see the mixed reactions from Venezuelans on Machado’s trip abroad. Some likely see her as an inspirational figure, while others may be skeptical of her motives or impact.
It’s understandable there would be diverse views, given the complex and volatile situation in Venezuela. Her actions will be closely scrutinized from all sides.
With Venezuela’s economic and political crisis deepening, Machado’s return is a risky but necessary move. Her voice and principles are more critical than ever for the opposition.
Agreed. She’s shown tremendous courage in the face of oppression. Venezuelans need leaders willing to confront the regime, even at great personal cost.