NewsSupporters of Venezuela’s Machado rally in cities around the worldFrom Madrid to Lima, and Buenos Aires to Brisbane, supporters gather to celebrate the opposition leader’s Nobel Peace prize win.
## Maria Corina Machado's Nobel Peace Prize Recognition
Maria Corina Machado's Nobel Peace Prize Recognition
Maria Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader, has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts in advocating for democratic transition in Venezuela. Her recognition has sparked global demonstrations, with supporters gathering in cities such as Madrid, Utrecht, Buenos Aires, Lima, and Brisbane. These gatherings anticipate the award ceremony scheduled for Wed, Oct 10, 2025.
In Lima, Peru, demonstrators displayed portraits of Machado, calling for a "Free Venezuela" and asserting that the Nobel Prize belongs to the Venezuelan people. In Colombia's capital, Bogota, a group of Venezuelans participated in a religious ceremony, expressing hope that the prize symbolizes a brighter future for Venezuela. Meanwhile, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, around 500 people engaged in a torchlit march using their mobile phones.
Machado has been in hiding since August 2024. Her organization has reported planned demonstrations in over 80 cities worldwide. The prize highlights Venezuela's ongoing struggle for democracy, with Machado set to attend the award ceremony in Norway despite security concerns.
Background on Venezuela's Political Climate
The political situation in Venezuela remains tense, with the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump having increased military presence in the Caribbean. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has criticized these actions as efforts to undermine his leadership. The U.S. does not recognize Maduro as the legitimate president, following disputed election results in which the opposition, led by Machado at the time, claimed victory.
Her recognition has sparked global demonstrations, with supporters gathering in cities such as Madrid, Utrecht, Buenos Aires, Lima, and Brisbane.
Machado was barred from running for office in the 2024 elections, and widespread repression ensued, including disqualifications, arrests, and human rights violations. Edmundo Gonzalez, who replaced Machado as the opposition candidate, later sought asylum in Spain following legal actions against him in Venezuela.
Machado has remained out of the public eye since her brief detention in Caracas on Jan 9, 2025. In a recent video message, she emphasized the importance of continued dedication and organization in light of the Nobel Peace Prize recognition.
The head of the Nobel Institute has confirmed Machado's intention to attend the ceremony in Oslo, with details of her arrival remaining undisclosed due to security concerns.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.