Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado made a triumphant appearance in Oslo on March 15, 2024, following a perilous escape from her home country. This marked her first public outing in nearly a year, as she had been in hiding since being barred from running in Venezuela’s presidential election. Supporters gathered outside the Grand Hotel, where Nobel laureates typically stay, to welcome her with cheers and applause.
Dressed in a black puffer jacket and jeans, Machado emerged onto the hotel balcony to a crowd that had assembled late at night to see the “fugitive” leader. Although she could not attend the Nobel ceremony to accept the prestigious award in person, her appearance represents a significant act of defiance against a travel ban imposed by the administration of Nicolás Maduro.
Details of Machado’s Escape
Reports indicate that Machado executed a daring escape from Venezuela by boat on March 12, traveling to the Caribbean island of Curacao. From Curacao, she boarded a private plane to Norway, according to an anonymous source familiar with her journey. Following accusations from Maduro alleging that Machado had stolen the July 2024 presidential election, she had become a target, leading her to go into hiding.
Upon her arrival in Oslo, Machado joined supporters in singing the Venezuelan national anthem, “Gloria al Bravo Pueblo (Glory to the Brave People).” Outside the hotel, she was greeted by chants of “courageous!” and “freedom!” as she connected with her supporters, many of whom lifted their cellphones to capture the moment. She spent time embracing her family and aides, amidst calls of “president! president!”
Recognition and the Significance of the Award
Machado’s daughter accepted the Nobel Prize on her behalf during the ceremony, where a large portrait of Machado was displayed in Oslo City Hall. In a recorded message shared on the Nobel website, she expressed gratitude for those who risked their lives to support her journey to Oslo. “Freedom is a choice that must be renewed each day, measured by our willingness and our courage to defend it,” she stated, emphasizing that Venezuela’s fight for freedom transcends borders.
The political landscape in Venezuela has become increasingly oppressive under Maduro’s regime. In January 2024, Maduro was sworn in for a third six-year term, following elections that were widely condemned as fraudulent by the opposition and the international community. Machado had initially intended to challenge Maduro in the elections, but the government prohibited her from running, leading to widespread human rights violations, including disqualifications and arrests.
During the Nobel ceremony, Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, highlighted her extraordinary bravery in the face of danger. He described Venezuela as a “brutal authoritarian state” and noted Machado’s efforts to attend the award ceremony despite the risks involved. The response from the audience was one of applause and cheers, illustrating the international support for her cause.
Machado’s situation echoes that of past Nobel laureates who have faced imprisonment or exile. Notable figures such as Narges Mohammadi and Ales Bialiatski have also been unable to attend their ceremonies due to oppressive regimes. Her appearance in Oslo serves as a beacon of hope for many in Venezuela who continue to struggle for democracy and human rights.
The events surrounding Machado’s escape and her subsequent appearance highlight the ongoing challenges faced by opposition leaders in Venezuela, as well as the global recognition of their efforts. Her resilient spirit underscores the importance of the fight for freedom and democracy, not just in Venezuela, but around the world.
