Machado’s Daughter Accepts Nobel Peace Prize as Venezuelan Crisis Deepens

María Corina Machado’s daughter accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on Wednesday in Oslo. She stood in for her mother, who is a key Venezuelan opposition leader. Machado is in hiding after a brief detention in Caracas last month. Her daughter said the award shows the world that Venezuelans still fight for freedom. The main keyword here is “Nobel Peace Prize.”The ceremony drew global attention. According to Reuters, the Nobel committee confirmed that Machado tried to reach Norway but faced serious danger. The committee said she is now safe. Her daughter delivered the speech she wrote.

Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony Highlights Venezuela’s Political Struggle

The room was full of concern and support. Presidents from Argentina, Ecuador, Panama, and Paraguay attended the ceremony. Their presence showed unity with the Venezuelan opposition. Short speeches praised Machado’s work. They also warned about the limits of authoritarian rule.Machado has not appeared in public since January 9. She was detained after she joined a protest in Caracas. Reports say she has moved between safe locations since then. Her daughter said she hopes to return to Venezuela soon.Machado won the Nobel Peace Prize for her long struggle for democratic change. The award was announced on October 10. The Norwegian committee called Venezuela a harsh authoritarian state. It said Machado showed rare courage in recent years.Machado won an opposition primary before the 2024 presidential election. She planned to face President Nicolás Maduro. But the government banned her from running. Edmundo González replaced her and later fled to Spain after threats and arrest warrants. He attended the ceremony in Norway.Human rights groups and the United Nations have raised alarms. They say arrests, abuses, and barriers to voting increased before and after the July 28, 2024 election. Maduro was declared the winner by an electoral council loyal to him.

Impact on Venezuela and the International Response

The Nobel lecture delivered by Machado’s daughter focused on freedom. She said Venezuela has learned that democracy requires citizens to fight for it. She said many people risked their lives to help her mother reach Norway. She also said the award belongs to all Venezuelans.The speech did not mention current tensions between the United States and Venezuela. Reports say a U.S. military operation in the Caribbean has killed Venezuelans in international waters. Machado has supported the U.S. pressure on Maduro.The Nobel committee also sent a direct message to Maduro. It urged him to accept the election result and step down. The committee said violence cannot silence citizens who resist.Past Peace Prize winners have also been unable to attend ceremonies. These include activists from Iran, Belarus, China, Myanmar, and Germany. Many were jailed or barred from traveling. Experts say Machado now joins that list of political figures targeted by their governments.

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The Nobel Peace Prize has placed new pressure on Venezuela. It has also strengthened calls for free elections and human rights. The Nobel Peace Prize remains a powerful symbol in this struggle.

Thought you’d like to know-

Q1: Why did Machado’s daughter accept the Nobel Peace Prize?

She accepted it because her mother is in hiding. Machado could not travel safely. Her daughter represented her at the ceremony.

Q2: Why is María Corina Machado in hiding?

She went into hiding after a brief detention on January 9. She faced threats and pressure from the government. Supporters feared for her safety.

Q3: Who attended the ceremony in Norway?

Presidents from Argentina, Ecuador, Panama, and Paraguay attended. Edmundo González also attended. Their presence showed support for Venezuela’s opposition.

Q4: What did the Nobel committee say about Venezuela?

It said Venezuela has become an authoritarian state. It also said Machado showed strong courage. The committee urged Maduro to respect the election.

Q5: What is the main message of Machado’s speech?

She said democracy needs courage. She said Venezuelans must fight for freedom. She called the award a gift to all citizens.