Venezuela Threatens Opposition Leader María Corina Machado with Fugitive Status Over Nobel Peace Prize
The Venezuelan government has issued a stern warning to opposition leader María Corina Machado, declaring she would be considered a "fugitive" should she travel to Norway to accept her Nobel Peace Prize. Attorney General Tarik William Saab informed AFP that Machado, who has been in hiding to evade arrest, faces serious accusations including "acts of conspiracy, incitement of hatred, and terrorism."
Machado, 58, was awarded the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize in October, lauded for her unwavering dedication to fostering a "peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy" in Venezuela. A vocal critic, she has consistently labeled President Nicolás Maduro's administration as "criminal," urging Venezuelans to unite in their efforts to depose it – a sentiment shared by numerous international observers who deem Maduro's rule illegitimate.
Her political journey has been fraught with challenges. Barred from participating in last year's presidential elections, which saw Maduro claim a third six-year term in polls widely dismissed internationally as neither free nor fair, Machado nevertheless managed to rally the opposition behind her lesser-known surrogate, Edmundo González. Despite official tallies from polling stations reportedly showing a landslide victory for González, the government-controlled National Electoral Council proclaimed Maduro as the winner. Following this, González sought asylum in Spain amidst fears of repression, a pattern that subsequently led to attempts to detain other opposition figures.
Nobel Committee's Recognition and Machado's Response
The Nobel Committee, in announcing Machado as the laureate at the Norwegian Nobel Institute in Oslo, specifically highlighted her as "one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in Latin America in recent times." Nobel chairman Jørgen Watne Frydnes expressed hope for Machado's attendance at the 10 December award ceremony in Oslo, acknowledging the grave security risks she faced. Machado herself expressed disbelief at the honor, stating, "I am just one person. I certainly do not deserve this," attributing the achievement to "a whole society."
International Dynamics and Escalating Tensions
The political tensions surrounding Machado are further complicated by international dynamics. Notably, former US President Donald Trump, also a contender for the award, extended his congratulations to Machado. Tensions between the Trump administration and Maduro's government have escalated significantly, with the US launching an operation primarily in the Caribbean targeting vessels accused of drug trafficking from South America. This operation has reportedly resulted in over 80 fatalities, predominantly Venezuelan. Trump has accused Maduro of leading a drug cartel, a charge Maduro vehemently denies, in turn accusing Trump of attempting to incite war to seize Venezuela's vast oil reserves. However, Maduro recently indicated a willingness for face-to-face discussions with Trump administration representatives.
Machado's Continued Activism
Amidst these escalating threats and international pressures, Machado continues her activism. In a recent video, she unveiled her "freedom manifesto," outlining her vision for a post-Maduro Venezuela and actively encouraging the military to switch allegiance. "We stand at the edge of a new era - one where our natural rights will prevail," she declared to her viewers, encapsulating her ongoing struggle for democratic change.