Venezuelan activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado made a triumphant return to the public eye on March 14, 2024, in Oslo, Norway. This marked her first appearance in almost a year after a perilous escape from her home country. Machado’s journey to Norway comes in the wake of her being barred from participating in Venezuela’s presidential election and subsequently declared a fugitive by the government of Nicolás Maduro.
The event unfolded at the Grand Hotel in Oslo, a traditional residence for Nobel laureates. Machado appeared before a jubilant crowd, dressed in a black puffer jacket and jeans. Her presence brought cheers and applause from supporters who gathered late into the night to celebrate her resilience. Although she could not attend the official ceremony to accept the award due to her recent escape, her appearance was a powerful statement against the travel ban imposed on her by the Venezuelan authorities.
According to individuals familiar with her situation, Machado made a daring escape from Venezuela by boat on March 12, reaching the Caribbean island of Curacao before boarding a private flight to Norway. Her flight came shortly after she was accused by Maduro of electoral fraud in the July 2024 presidential elections, which she had intended to contest.
Defiance and Celebration
Upon stepping onto the balcony of the Grand Hotel, Machado joined her supporters in singing the Venezuelan national anthem, “Gloria al Bravo Pueblo”. She expressed her longing for her compatriots, stating, “I want you all back in Venezuela.” The emotional atmosphere was charged as supporters chanted “courageous!” and “freedom!” while she embraced many in the crowd. Videos captured the moment as she climbed over barricades to connect with those who had come to see her.
Machado’s daughter accepted the Nobel Prize on her behalf during the official ceremony, where a portrait of her was displayed in the Oslo City Hall. In a recorded message shared via the Nobel website, she acknowledged the sacrifices made by many individuals who risked their lives for her journey to Oslo. “Freedom is a choice that must be renewed each day,” she stated. “A people who choose freedom contribute not only to themselves, but to humanity.”
Context of Political Turmoil
Since January 9, 2024, Machado had been in hiding after a brief public appearance to rally against Maduro’s third term inauguration. The political landscape in Venezuela continues to draw international scrutiny, with the United States and other nations refusing to recognize Maduro as the legitimate leader. His administration has faced accusations of authoritarianism, particularly in the wake of the controversial elections that many, including the opposition, deemed rigged. The National Electoral Council, aligned with Maduro’s regime, declared him the winner amid widespread allegations of repression, disqualifications, and human rights violations.
Norwegian Nobel Committee Chair Jørgen Watne Frydnes highlighted Machado’s courage, stating she had “done everything in her power” to attend the ceremony despite extreme danger. He characterized Venezuela as “a brutal authoritarian state” and commended Machado as an extraordinary example of civilian bravery in recent Latin American history.
The challenges faced by past Nobel laureates, including those who were unable to attend their award ceremonies due to imprisonment or exile, resonate with Machado’s situation. Recent examples include Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi and Belarusian advocate Ales Bialiatski, both of whom were unable to collect their awards in person due to their circumstances.
Machado’s emergence in Oslo symbolizes hope for many Venezuelans yearning for democracy and freedom. Her defiance against oppression not only underscores her commitment to her cause but also reflects the broader struggle of her compatriots against authoritarian rule.
