Venezuelan Opposition Leader María Corina Machado Collects Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo Amid High-Risk Journey
Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado, who has been in hiding for months, has told the BBC that she is fully aware of the dangers involved in traveling to Norway to receive her Nobel Peace Prize.
Machado made a dramatic late-night appearance in Oslo, waving from the balcony of a hotel—the first time she has been seen publicly since January. The 58-year-old undertook the journey despite a government travel ban and threats that she would be considered a fugitive by Venezuelan authorities.
Cheering supporters gathered outside the Grand Hotel erupted as she stepped out to greet them personally, climbing over security barriers, blowing kisses, and singing along with the crowd.
The Nobel Institute awarded Machado this year for her efforts toward “a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy” in Venezuela. Her daughter, Ana Corina Sosa, had earlier accepted the award on her mother’s behalf.
Machado, a mother of three, had been separated from her children for nearly two years, having sent them abroad for their safety. In an emotional interview with the BBC, she reflected on the personal cost of her activism, saying, “For over 16 months I haven’t been able to hug or touch anyone. Suddenly, in a few hours, I’ve been able to see the people I love the most, touch them, cry, and pray together.”
Wearing multiple rosary beads given by supporters outside the hotel, she stressed that her return to Venezuela remains uncertain, but she affirmed, “Of course I’m going back. I know exactly the risks I’m taking. I’m going to be in the place where I’m most useful for our cause.”
Considered one of the most prominent voices in Venezuela’s opposition, Machado has consistently criticized President Nicolás Maduro’s government, describing it as criminal and calling for unity to end his rule. She was barred from running in last year’s presidential elections, widely regarded as neither free nor fair. The Maduro administration has repeatedly accused her of terrorism and conspiracy, warning that she could face arrest if she leaves the country.
Her secretive trip to Oslo involved disguises, evading ten military checkpoints, and ultimately leaving Venezuela by wooden skiff from a coastal village, according to the Wall Street Journal. Machado confirmed the perilous nature of her journey but declined to provide full details.
Speaking with the BBC, she said, “They say I’m a terrorist and must remain in jail for life. Leaving Venezuela under these circumstances is extremely dangerous. I’m here because many risked their lives to make it possible.”
Jorgen Watne Frydnes, chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, described her arrival as “a situation of extreme danger” and called the moment “emotional”.
Machado also reiterated her criticism of Maduro, accusing his government of being funded by criminal activities, including drug trafficking and human smuggling, and urged the international community to act against the regime.
Regarding U.S. military actions targeting alleged drug operations, Machado did not comment directly on supporting strikes but emphasized that Maduro has declared war on the Venezuelan people, undermining Venezuela’s sovereignty. She remains prepared to form a transitional government in Venezuela and has offered dialogue with Maduro’s team, which she says was rejected.
