The Norwegian Nobel Institute has cancelled a planned press conference for Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado, just one day before the prestigious award ceremony in Oslo, Norway. The decision comes amid uncertainty over Machado’s whereabouts and whether she will be able to attend the ceremony in person.
Cancellation Details
The press conference, originally scheduled for 1 PM local time (12:00 GMT) on Tuesday, was first postponed and later officially cancelled. The Nobel Institute cited the logistical challenges posed by Machado’s situation, stating that her journey to Oslo is “very challenging” and that it cannot provide further information regarding her arrival.
Machado’s spokesperson has not disclosed her current location, and her attendance at the award ceremony, set for Wednesday at 1 PM local time (12:00 GMT) at Oslo City Hall, remains uncertain.
Nobel Peace Prize Recognition
Machado, 58, received the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to fight against the dictatorial rule of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who has held power since 2013. Her decade-long activism against the government has included organizing protests and speaking out against electoral fraud, particularly during the disputed July 2024 elections.
Since August 2024, Machado has been in hiding due to a government-imposed travel ban and criminal investigations, which Venezuelan authorities claim involve “acts of conspiracy, incitement of hatred, [and] terrorism.” Venezuela’s Attorney General, Tarek William Saab, warned that Machado would be considered a “fugitive” if she traveled abroad to receive the Nobel Prize.
Family and International Presence
Several members of Machado’s family, including her mother, three sisters, and three children, have already arrived in Oslo for the ceremony. The event will also host Norway’s King Harald and Queen Sonja, along with at least four Latin American heads of state, including Argentina’s Javier Milei and Ecuador’s Daniel Noboa.
Machado last appeared publicly on January 9, 2025, during a demonstration in Caracas protesting Maduro’s inauguration for his third term. She has consistently accused the government of electoral fraud and of suppressing opposition voices.
Geopolitical Context
Machado’s Nobel recognition comes amid heightened U.S. military activity in the Caribbean, including strikes on vessels alleged to be involved in drug smuggling. Machado has expressed support for U.S. operations, arguing that they help protect Venezuelan citizens, though Maduro claims the interventions are designed to overthrow his government and seize Venezuela’s oil reserves.
Her alignment with U.S. President Donald Trump, to whom she dedicated the Nobel Prize, has also drawn both international support and criticism.
Uncertainty Remains
The Nobel Institute has not confirmed if the press conference will be rescheduled or if Machado will attend the ceremony in person. The situation highlights ongoing risks for opposition figures in Venezuela and underscores the global attention Machado’s award has garnered for both her activism and the broader struggle for democracy in the country.
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