María Corina Machado in Hiding, Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony to Be Accepted by Daughter

María Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader celebrated for her unwavering dedication to democracy, will not attend the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo. Instead, her eldest daughter, Ana Corina Sosa Machado, will accept the prestigious award on her behalf, as confirmed by the Norwegian Nobel Institute. Machado, who has been living in hiding since August 2024 due to fears of arrest by Venezuelan authorities, has not made a public appearance since January 9, when she was briefly detained during a protest in Caracas. Her participation in the Nobel ceremony had become uncertain after the Nobel Institute postponed and subsequently canceled a scheduled press conference with her. Despite her absence, Maria Corina Machado's contributions to safeguarding democratic values in Venezuela have been recognized with this award. The Nobel Institute stated that the logistics of her travel to Norway were challenging, which led to the decision that her daughter would accept the prize. Machado's situation reflects the dangerous climate for political opposition in Venezuela, where she has been labeled a fugitive by the government if she were to travel abroad. The Nobel Peace Prize has a tradition of being accepted by close family members in the case of the laureate's absence. This was similarly seen in previous ceremonies, including when imprisoned dissidents Liu Xiaobo and Ales Bialiatski had their awards accepted by family members. María Corina Machado, 58, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her relentless fight for democracy in a repressive environment under President Nicolás Maduro, who has been accused of electoral fraud. With her roots firmly planted in the struggle for democratic rights, Machado's work continues to inspire those advocating for change in Venezuela. In attendance alongside Ana Corina Sosa Machado will be her grandmother, Corina Parisca, as they honor María Corina's legacy at the ceremony in Oslo. This moment serves not only as recognition of her courage amidst adversity but also as a broader call for the support and recognition of human rights in Venezuela and beyond. Despite personal peril, the acknowledgment of Machado's work by the Nobel Committee symbolizes a significant moment for democracy in Latin America, particularly in the face of increasing authoritarianism. Her plight resonates not only with Venezuelans but with those around the world who continue to fight for basic freedoms and rights. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2