Maria Corina Machado, the leader of the Venezuelan opposition, has appeared in public for the first time after a long period of hiding, to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo.
Although threatened by the government of President Nicolas Maduro, which had imposed a travel ban on her, Machado appeared in the Norwegian capital to greet her supporters and receive the award for "the fight for a just and peaceful transition" in Venezuela.
In an emotional moment, Machado appeared from the balcony of the Grand Hotel in Oslo, where she greeted supporters who had come to see her. She stepped outside and, bypassing security barricades, approached the crowd to greet them personally. The moment was accompanied by chants of “Maria! Maria!” and phones recording this historic appearance.
The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Machado for her tireless commitment to leading Venezuela towards a peaceful transition away from the dictatorship of President Maduro. Her daughter, Ana Corina Sosa, accepted the award on behalf of her mother, after Machado was separated from her family for nearly two years, sending them abroad for their safety.
Machado, who has been a fierce critic of Nicolás Maduro's regime, has called it a "criminal structure." She has accused his government of links to criminal activities such as drugs and human trafficking. According to her, Venezuela is experiencing a deep crisis of justice and security, which has escalated under Maduro's leadership.
Despite the threats and travel ban, Machado has expressed her willingness to return to Venezuela to continue the fight for citizens' rights and bring about peaceful change. "I know exactly the risks I'm taking," she said, emphasizing that her true home is in Venezuela, but for now, Oslo is where she can do the most for her cause.
Lini një Përgjigje