Venezuela Threatens Nobel Winner Machado with Fugitive Status

Published: 21 November 2025 Friday. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Venezuela’s political crisis has taken a dramatic turn as the nation’s opposition leader, María Corina Machado, has been warned that she will be considered a fugitive if she travels abroad to accept her Nobel Peace Prize. The announcement by Venezuela’s Attorney General, Tarik William Saab, has added a new layer of tension to an already volatile political landscape, highlighting the deepening struggle between President Nicolás Maduro’s government and opposition forces.

Saab, speaking to AFP, made it clear that Machado—who has been living in hiding to evade arrest—faces accusations of “acts of conspiracy, incitement of hatred, and terrorism.” The warning comes just weeks after Machado was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in October for her persistent efforts to foster a “peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy” in Venezuela.

At 58, María Corina Machado has been a long-standing figure in the Venezuelan opposition. She has been an outspoken critic of Maduro’s administration, describing it as “criminal” and calling on Venezuelans to unite in overthrowing what she regards as an illegitimate government. Her activism has often placed her in the crosshairs of authorities, and she has spent significant periods in hiding to avoid detention.

The Nobel Committee’s decision to honor Machado has drawn international attention, not only for the prestige of the award but also because it underscores the perilous environment for political opposition in Venezuela. In its announcement, the committee hailed Machado as “one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in Latin America in recent times.” Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, expressed hope that Machado could attend the award ceremony in Oslo on 10 December but also acknowledged the severe security risks she faces in doing so.

Machado’s recognition comes amid a backdrop of electoral disputes and political unrest. She was barred from running in last year’s presidential elections, which saw Maduro secure a third six-year term. The elections were widely criticized internationally for failing to meet basic standards of fairness and transparency, sparking protests across the nation. Despite her disqualification, Machado effectively mobilized opposition support behind a surrogate candidate, Edmundo González, who was relatively unknown before the campaign.

The government-controlled National Electoral Council officially declared Maduro the winner, even though preliminary polling station tallies suggested a significant victory for González. Following the elections, González fled to Spain out of fear of repression, an exodus mirrored by attempts to detain other opposition officials across Venezuela.

In response to Machado’s Nobel Prize, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly congratulated her. Trump, who was himself nominated for the prize in the past, has had increasingly tense relations with Maduro’s administration, particularly over allegations of drug trafficking and the deployment of U.S. military forces in the Caribbean. Machado has expressed support for these measures, which has further inflamed Maduro’s government, prompting ongoing investigations into her political activities.

The Venezuelan government under Maduro has repeatedly accused external powers of attempting to destabilize the country. Maduro himself has labeled Trump’s actions as efforts to incite war to control Venezuela’s oil reserves. Despite these accusations, the Venezuelan president has also signaled a willingness to engage in direct talks with representatives of the U.S. administration, highlighting the complex geopolitical dimensions of the crisis.

Machado, meanwhile, has continued her advocacy, attempting to persuade the Venezuelan military to reconsider its loyalty to Maduro. She released a video on Tuesday outlining her vision for a post-Maduro Venezuela, which she called a “freedom manifesto.” In it, she urged citizens and the armed forces alike to embrace a new era where fundamental rights and freedoms prevail.

The Nobel Committee’s award has not only highlighted Machado’s courage but also shone a global spotlight on Venezuela’s ongoing political turmoil. While the prize is a personal honor, Machado has been careful to frame it as a recognition of collective effort, stating, “I am just one person. I certainly do not deserve this. This is the achievement of a whole society.”

Her remarks underscore the broader struggle of Venezuelans who have sought democratic reform and political accountability in the face of what many international observers view as an increasingly authoritarian regime. Over the past several years, the Maduro government has faced allegations ranging from election manipulation and suppression of dissent to economic mismanagement and human rights abuses, making the country a focal point for global concern.

The warning from Attorney General Saab effectively raises the stakes for Machado. Should she attempt to travel to Oslo to receive her Nobel Prize, she would risk immediate arrest upon return, intensifying the personal danger she already faces. This situation underscores the broader reality for opposition leaders in Venezuela: the pursuit of political reform and international recognition comes with serious personal risk.

Machado’s advocacy and international recognition reflect a broader pattern of resistance in Latin America, where civilian leaders and activists often operate under the constant threat of government reprisal. Her Nobel Prize is seen by many as an emblem of hope for democratic transition, signaling that the international community continues to monitor and support efforts toward freedom and accountability in Venezuela.

The geopolitical implications are also significant. The U.S. has launched operations targeting alleged drug trafficking routes originating from South America, with Venezuela being a focal point of these actions. Maduro has consistently denied involvement in drug trafficking, accusing foreign powers of fabricating claims to justify intervention. The ongoing tension between Venezuela and international actors adds further complexity to Machado’s situation, especially as she positions herself as a bridge between internal opposition forces and global democratic supporters.

For Venezuelans, Machado’s Nobel Prize is both a symbol of recognition and a reminder of the precarious state of political freedoms. It highlights the courage required to challenge entrenched power structures while drawing attention to the severe consequences faced by those who dissent. The award also reinforces international scrutiny of Maduro’s government and the urgent need for political dialogue and reform.

As the December Nobel ceremony approaches, all eyes will be on María Corina Machado and the Venezuelan government. Her potential attendance could become a flashpoint in the ongoing struggle for democracy in Venezuela, demonstrating the intersection of global recognition, local resistance, and international diplomacy.

In the meantime, Machado continues her work in hiding, advocating for a transition toward democratic governance, and encouraging Venezuelans to envision a future free from repression. Her story exemplifies the extraordinary risks and resilience of individuals fighting for freedom in politically turbulent regions, and the Nobel Prize serves as both a personal accolade and a broader statement on the importance of civilian courage in shaping democratic futures.