WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has filed a criminal complaint in Sweden against the Nobel Foundation, challenging its decision to award the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. Assange claims the award represents a “gross misappropriation” of funds and could facilitate war crimes under Swedish law. He is seeking to freeze 11 million Swedish kronor ($1.18 million) from being transferred to Machado as prize money.

Assange’s Allegations Against the Nobel Foundation

Assange’s complaint, submitted Wednesday, accuses 30 individuals connected to the Nobel Foundation, including its leadership, of misappropriating funds, facilitating war crimes and crimes against humanity, and financing aggression. According to Assange, awarding the Peace Prize to Machado transforms “an instrument of peace” into “an instrument of war.”

Assange further alleges that Machado has endorsed actions by the United States to apply military pressure against Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro, potentially contributing to international crimes. He argues that this violates the criteria set forth in Alfred Nobel’s 1895 will, which stipulates the Peace Prize should honor individuals who confer “the greatest benefit to humankind” and advance “fraternity between nations.”

Controversy Surrounding Machado’s Selection

Machado’s selection has drawn global attention and criticism due to her vocal support for Israel during its ongoing war in Gaza. She reportedly held a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shortly after the Nobel announcement and pledged to relocate Venezuela’s embassy to Jerusalem if elected.

Machado has also supported US President Donald Trump’s military and economic campaign against Maduro. Since September, Trump ordered over 20 strikes against alleged drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and off Latin America’s Pacific coast, reportedly resulting in 104 deaths. A massive deployment of US naval and air forces is ongoing in the region, raising fears of a potential invasion.

Assange asserts that Machado’s alignment with US military action “categorically excludes her” from consideration for the Peace Prize, as her actions contravene the principles outlined in Alfred Nobel’s will.

Financial and Legal Implications

WikiLeaks argued that there is a “real risk” the prize funds could be diverted from their charitable purpose to support aggression, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. While the Peace Prize is awarded by a Norwegian selection committee in Oslo, Assange maintains that the Stockholm-based Nobel Foundation holds financial responsibility. Swedish police confirmed receipt of Assange’s complaint.

Julian Assange’s Background

Assange founded WikiLeaks in 2006 and gained international prominence in 2010 after publishing leaks from US Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning. Facing legal challenges in Sweden, he was granted asylum in Ecuador’s London embassy in 2012, where he stayed for seven years.

He was imprisoned in Belmarsh Prison, London, from 2019 to 2024, as the US sought his extradition over charges related to hacking US military databases. Assange was released in 2024 after a US Justice Department plea deal, pleading guilty to one count of violating espionage laws, before returning to his native Australia.

Global Reaction

The filing adds to ongoing debates about the integrity and neutrality of the Nobel Peace Prize, particularly regarding its selection process and the geopolitical implications of awarding controversial figures. Assange’s action highlights concerns over war crimes, military intervention, and the ethical obligations of international organizations in conflict situations.