Venezuelan opposition leader MarĂa Corina Machado's daughter accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on her mother's behalf in Oslo, Norway, on Wednesday, following reports of Machado's inability to attend the ceremony. Machado has not been publicly seen since January 9, after a brief detention following a protest in Caracas, Venezuela.
Absence and Nobel Committee Statements
Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, stated that Machado had made every effort to attend but faced a situation of "extreme danger." He confirmed her safety and expressed optimism for her future presence in Oslo. Prior to the ceremony, the director of the Norwegian Nobel Institute and Machado's spokesperson confirmed she would not be able to attend, leading to her daughter, Ana Corina Sosa, accepting the award.
Machado provided an audio statement via phone call, published on the Nobel website, acknowledging the efforts of many who "risked their lives" for her potential arrival in Oslo. She recognized the award as a significant moment for the Venezuelan people.
International Attendance and Recognition
Several Latin American leaders attended the ceremony, including Argentine President Javier Milei, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino, and Paraguayan President Santiago Peña. Machado was recognized with the award on October 10 for her efforts toward a democratic transition in Venezuela.
Machado had won an opposition primary election with intentions to challenge President Nicolás Maduro in last year's presidential election but was barred from holding office. Retired diplomat Edmundo González subsequently ran in her place and was present at Wednesday's ceremony. González sought asylum in Spain last year after a Venezuelan court reportedly issued a warrant for his arrest.
Venezuelan Political Context
The period preceding the July 28, 2024, election saw reports of disqualifications, arrests, and human rights violations. These reports reportedly intensified after the country's National Electoral Council declared the incumbent as the winner. U.N. human rights officials and various independent rights groups have expressed concerns about the situation in Venezuela.
Historical Precedent and Activist Response
The Nobel Peace Prize's official website indicates that five past laureates were detained or imprisoned at the time of their awards, including Narges Mohammadi (2023) and Ales Bialiatski (2022).
Venezuelan human rights activist Gustavo Tovar-Arroyo, in exile since 2012, stated that Machado's supporters were disappointed by her absence but acknowledged it as part of the challenges encountered when confronting certain political systems.