Ask Onix
Venezuela Threatens Opposition Leader Machado with Fugitive Status Over Nobel Trip
Venezuela's Attorney General Tarik William Saab warned Friday that opposition leader María Corina Machado would be declared a fugitive if she travels to Norway to receive her Nobel Peace Prize next month. Saab told AFP that Machado, 58, faces charges of "conspiracy, incitement to hatred, and terrorism," adding to her legal peril as she remains in hiding to avoid arrest.
Nobel Recognition for Democratic Struggle
Machado was awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize in October for her "efforts toward a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy," according to the Norwegian Nobel Committee. The committee praised her as "one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in Latin America in recent times."
In a video statement following the announcement, Machado called the honor "the achievement of a whole society," rejecting personal credit. The prize ceremony is scheduled for December 10 in Oslo, though Nobel chairman Jørgen Watne Frydnes acknowledged the "serious security risks" she faces.
Election Controversy and Crackdown
Machado was barred from running in Venezuela's 2024 presidential election, which international observers condemned as neither free nor fair. Despite her exclusion, she rallied opposition support behind surrogate candidate Edmundo González, who fled to Spain after the government-declared victory of incumbent Nicolás Maduro-a result contradicted by polling station tallies showing González's landslide win.
Post-election repression targeted opposition figures, with Machado's allies detained or forced into exile. Maduro's government has dismissed protests and maintained power amid accusations of authoritarianism.
U.S. Tensions and Military Pressure
Saab also cited Machado's alleged support for a U.S. military operation in the Caribbean as part of the investigation. The Trump administration's campaign against suspected drug-smuggling vessels-linked to over 80 deaths, mostly Venezuelans-has escalated tensions. Maduro has accused Trump of seeking war to control Venezuela's oil, while Trump labeled Maduro a "drug cartel leader."
Despite the rhetoric, Maduro recently signaled openness to direct talks with U.S. representatives. Machado, meanwhile, continues to urge Venezuela's military to abandon Maduro, outlining a "freedom manifesto" in a Tuesday video: "We stand at the edge of a new era-one where our natural rights will prevail."
International Reactions
Machado's Nobel win drew global attention, including congratulations from U.S. President Donald Trump, who was also nominated for the prize. The opposition leader's defiance has made her a symbol of resistance, though her ability to claim the award remains uncertain amid threats of arrest.
