Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado will be absent from the highly anticipated award ceremony in Oslo on Wednesday, as confirmed by representatives from her political party in a statement to CNN. Due to ongoing persecution from the government of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Machado has been living in hiding since last year, and her exact location remains undisclosed.
Her representatives emphasized, “We confirm that she will not attend the Nobel ceremony, but we are optimistic about her participation in the rest of the day’s events.” This sentiment highlights the ongoing struggle Machado faces while advocating for democracy in Venezuela, even from a distance. In her absence, her daughter will accept the prestigious prize and deliver a heartfelt speech on her mother’s behalf, as stated by the Norwegian Nobel Institute.
Organizers of the event have indicated that while Machado cannot attend the ceremony, she may still be present in Oslo at some point during the day. A statement released by the committee noted that the Nobel Peace Prize laureate had “done everything in her power to attend today’s ceremony,” but her journey was fraught with “extreme danger.” The statement reassured attendees, saying, “Although she will not be able to attend the ceremony or today’s events, we are deeply relieved to confirm that she is safe and will be joining us in Oslo.”
María Corina Machado received the Nobel Peace Prize for her relentless promotion of democratic rights in Venezuela and her unwavering commitment to achieving a “just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy,” as recognized by the Norwegian Nobel Committee. Her work has made a significant impact on the fight for human rights and democracy in her homeland.
Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, remarked in October that Machado’s attendance was uncertain due to the precarious security situation. “We always hope to have the laureate with us in Oslo, but this is a serious security situation which needs to be handled first,” Frydnes stated, reflecting the complexities surrounding Machado's participation in the ceremony.
As the world watches, the absence of María Corina Machado at the Nobel ceremony today serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for democracy and human rights in Venezuela. Her courageous fight continues to inspire many, and her recognition as a Nobel laureate amplifies the call for justice and equality in her country.