Nobel Peace Prize Winner Machado Unable to Attend Oslo Ceremony

Security Threats Prevent Travel

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado will not attend the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo due to severe security threats and travel restrictions imposed by Venezuela’s government, the Nobel Institute announced Wednesday.

Kristian Berg Harpviken, director of the Nobel Institute, told Norwegian broadcaster NRK that Machado “is not in Norway now” and will not be present when the ceremony begins at Oslo City Hall. Her daughter, Ana Corina Sosa, will receive the award on her behalf.

Living in Hiding

Machado, a leading opponent of President Nicolas Maduro, has been living in hiding since last autumn. The Maduro administration has banned her from leaving the country and continues to threaten her safety. Harpviken said, “She simply lives with a death threat from the regime. That threat also applies when she is outside the country.” Efforts to arrange safe travel to Norway proved more challenging than expected. Only a few people know her current location due to the high risk.

Honoring Machado’s Work

The Nobel Committee awarded Machado for her “tireless work to secure democratic rights for the people of Venezuela” and her efforts to promote a peaceful transition from authoritarian rule. Independent observers note that her coalition won last year’s presidential election, though the Maduro government did not recognize the results.

Reactions in Oslo

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide called her absence “a shame” but highlighted the importance of the award. “It is always best when the Peace Prize winner is present,” he said, noting Machado’s ability to unite large parts of the opposition.

Four Latin American presidents, including Argentina’s Javier Milei and Paraguay’s Santiago Pena, attended the ceremony to show support. Harpviken said it remains uncertain whether Machado will be able to travel to Norway at a later date.
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