Machado Arrives in Oslo Safely, But Will Miss Peace Prize Ceremony
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Despite immense uncertainty, the Nobel Institute has confirmed that Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has arrived safely in Oslo, Norway, though she will not be able to attend Wednesday’s Peace Prize ceremony. The news,delivered just over an hour before the scheduled event,follows a period of intense speculation regarding Machado’s whereabouts and ability to travel to Norway given restrictions imposed by the Maduro regime.
The Nobel Institute stated that Machado “has done everything in his power to come to the ceremony today,” and expressed deep satisfaction that she is now “with us in Oslo.” Though, the statement acknowledged her absence from the ceremony and related events.
Details surrounding Machado’s journey to Norway remained closely guarded. When questioned about the specifics,the head of the Nobel Institute,Kristian Berg Harpviken,explained Wednesday morning,”I don’t know,and there are good reasons for that.” He emphasized the risks posed by the “repressive regime” in Venezuela, which he said is “willing to use absolutely all means against the opposition in its own country.”
A Lifetime Dedicated to Venezuelan Democracy
Born on October 7, 1967, in Caracas, Venezuela, Machado has dedicated her life to advocating for democratic change in her country. Her activism began as the head of the Fundación Atenea foundation, and she was a key founder of Súmate, a civil association focused on election observation and civil rights. She later established the political party Vente Venezuela around 2012.
Machado served as a member of the Venezuelan National assembly from january 2011 to March 2014, representing the state of Miranda. In 2014,she lost her position following accusations by the government of involvement in protests against President Nicolás Maduro. Sence then, she has remained a vocal and prominent critic of the Maduro regime, spearheading the resistance movement for free and fair elections.
In October 2023, Machado secured a landslide victory in the opposition primary election, winning over 90% of the vote and becoming the unified opposition candidate for the 2024 presidential election.Though, the Maduro government responded by disqualifying her from running, imposing a 15-year ban on holding public office.
Machado’s commitment to human rights has been recognized internationally, with awards including the Václav Havel Prize for Human Rights from the Council of Europe and the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought from the European Parliament. Her three children currently live in exile.
Living in Hiding and a Last-Minute Arrival
Machado has been forced to live in hiding in Venezuela due to fears for her safety. She has been without a passport or the right to fly for many years, making her travel to Norway a meaningful challenge. Her last public post on X (formerly Twitter) was on December 6, expressing support for a prisoner who died in Venezuelan custody.
A planned press conference with Machado was postponed on Tuesday, raising doubts about her ability to reach Oslo. According to Harpviken, “I was optimistic right up until late last night that she would stand at the town hall today, and then new facts has arrived which indicates that it cannot be done.”
Controversy Surrounds the Peace Prize
The selection of machado for the Peace Prize has sparked controversy, with some questioning the appropriateness of honoring someone who has reportedly supported American intervention in Venezuelan politics. On Tuesday afternoon, a exhibition took place in Oslo, with protestors labeling her a “warmonger.”
Attempts by VG to reach Harpviken and the Nobel Institute’s communications manager, Erik Aasheim, for comment were unsuccessful. The Nobel Committee’s chairman, Jørgen Frydnes, also did not respond to inquiries.
Despite the controversy and her absence from the ceremony, the Nobel Institute’s confirmation of machado’s safe arrival in Oslo underscores the international community’s continued focus on the political crisis in Venezuela and the ongoing struggle for democracy.
